About

In 2017, William made his directorial debut with Double Echo, a film written by François Bloemhof, where he adeptly undertook dual roles as Director and DOP. His second directorial project, Mr Johnson, released in November 2021, received widespread recognition, securing multiple awards including:

Best Feature Film at the Global Nonviolent Film Festival, Lonely Wolf International Film Festival, Birmingham Film Festival, Motion Picture International Film Festival,Vegas Movie Awards, and Idyllwild International Film Festival.
Best Director Award at the Motion Picture International Film Festival for his exemplary work on Mr Johnson.

As a member of the South African Society of Cinematographers (SASC), William’s cinematographic excellence was acknowledged in 2017 when he received the Visible Spectrum Award for Best Cinematography in a Feature Film for Last Broken Darkness — the highest achievement in cinematography in South Africa. His collaborations with Oscar nominated director Darrell Roodt have been prolific, serving as DOP on several of Roodt’s films, including Seun, Verskietende Ster, Alles wat Mal is, and Ballade van Robbie de Wee.

Additionally, William was the Director of Photography on prolific thriller author Deon Meyer’s debut film Die Laaste Tango, showcasing his skill in bringing complex and atmospheric narratives to life.

William has been nominated for multiple SAFTAs (South African Film and Television Awards) for Best Cinematography across various categories including feature films, TV series, and documentaries, further cementing his reputation as one of South Africa’s most accomplished cinematographers.

In 2024, William’s cinematographic expertise was pivotal in two significant projects representing South Africa on the global stage. He was the Director of Photography for the documentary film Legacy: The De-Colonized History of South Africa, which won the Best South African Documentary Award and was a contender in the 2025 Oscar® race for Best Feature Documentary. Additionally, he served as DOP for the feature film Old Righteous Blues, South Africa's official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards.

Furthermore, William has worked as the Second Unit Director and Director of Photography on two major Hollywood productions, Boy Kills World and Bulletproof 2, further establishing his reputation as a versatile and skilled cinematographer.

William has also made his mark in the world of television, having directed many episodes of Skeem Saam, one of South Africa’s most-watched TV series, demonstrating his talent for storytelling on both the big and small screens.

His journey in cinematography commenced in the advertising industry, where he directed and shot the innovative Wimpy Braille Burger ad campaign in 2011, which achieved viral success and earned prestigious international awards, including:

  • Gold and Silver Lions at Cannes.
  • Gold and Silver Loerie Awards.
  • Gold Clio Award.

In addition to these accolades, William received a Gold Loerie Award in the Non-Broadcast Video & Film category for directing and serving as DOP on Cambridge Food’s documentary Paulina’s Story, highlighting his ability to craft compelling narratives across diverse formats.

Having lived in South Africa, Australia, Madagascar, Botswana, and Namibia, William is currently based in Cape Town. His extensive experience and dedication to the craft continue to make him a sought-after professional for both national and international film projects.

Education and Training

After finishing his secondary schooling at South Africa’s National School of the Arts, William graduated cum laude from the National College of Photography in Pretoria and then became a lecturer there. William then studied cinematography and directing in Australia at the International Film School of Sydney’s APA (Academy of Photogenic Arts) and later, William completed the Cinematography Master Class at the ASC, American Society of Cinematographers in Hollywood, California.