Interview with Will Caldwell
Creative Director of Will C Productions
by: mrstyyles@excapethematrix.com
TS: Good evening sir, how are you?
WC: I’m doing well just been a long a busy day.
TS: Well I’m glad you were able to take time out of your busy schedule for
this interview.
WC: Not a problem. I’m honored to be chosen for this interview.
TS: So lets give the ETM readers some information on you. Who is Will
Caldwell?
WC: I’m many things. I can’t even list them all. I’m a chameleon and I try to
adapt to all situations. I’m very outgoing and I try to achieve all of my goals
that I have set for myself.
TS: What is the meaning behind Will C Productions?
WC: Will C is a production company that works to help people to make and raise money
for fundraisers. To do very extravagant productions when it comes to fashion
shows. I like to be very creative and think outside of the box when it comes to
showcasing skits/routines that the audience would never expect.
TS: Can you tell me about Will C Top Model?
WC: Will C Top Model is based off Tyra Banks’ America’s Next Top Model. In 2004,
I decided to do a Top Model Competition to see if it could be done. We
challenged competitors on all aspects of modeling such as runway, acting,
networking, photo shoots and even lip sync. I found that each person who was
involved with the competition they turned out to be different people. I never
anticipated the idea that I would be changing the lives of those competing in
the Top Model Contests. Will C Productions is currently going into our fifth
cycle of Top Model. We have also started the Top Model Competition at Coppin
State University which has been a great success.
TS: What are your views on America’s Next Top Model, Make Me a Supermodel
or Project Runway?
WC: Well with reality it’s all overkill. Some of the things are starting to get
rather dry. My favorite Top Model was Eva after her season it just went all down
hill from there. At the same time I watch these fashion reality shows because it
inspires me. Tyra is truly an icon to me and has evolved to be the person she is
today. As far as Make Me a Supermodel and Project Runway I encourage anyone who
is interested in partaking in the fashion/modeling industry to watch these shows
to get a clear understanding of what is expected of you and it’s very
educational.
TS: What does fashion show directing/producing mean to you?
WC: Fashion show directing/producing means execution and complete organization.
There are a lot of people who consider themselves fashion show producers who
don’t have that quality.
TS: Are you currently active as a model?
WC: I’m more behind the scenes in the industry but I’m into print work not major
but to challenge myself. I like to stay off the runway and out from in front of
the camera. I love to create and direct the vision that I have for this
industry. Even though I’m not actively as a model I feel that I have to do the
same challenges that I put my competitors who are involved in the Top Model
competition so I can show by example.
TS: What would you say to aspiring models who are interested in being apart
of Will C Productions?
WC: If anyone is interested in being apart of a fashion show with Will C
Productions I invite them with open arms. We would start from the ground up
through training so they will be prepared for the actual show. We don’t
generally don’t reject people but with that said we do look for dedication and
determination. As far as being a contestant in the Top Model Competition it’s
true dedication and determination times ten. I treat my Male and Female Top
Models like Kings and Queens with the utmost respect. Will C Productions is a
family so we are not a modeling group, troop, squad or agency. So if you want to
be apart of Will C Productions it’s about doing the work after it’s all said and
done.
TS: When did you realize that you wanted to be in the profession of fashion
show directing/producing?
WC: It started back in 1997 at PG County Community College when I was approached
by a fellow classmate that told me that I should model in her fashion show at
the school. I went to the rehearsal and I noticed that the Coordinator who was
conducting the rehearsals didn’t know how to walk and I was puzzled to point of
no return. Not knowing that she heard me” I said I can do better than that”, so
she challenged me to conduct the rehearsals and coordinate the show. So, here I
am today eleven years later.
TS: How do you come up with creative concepts for your fashion show?
WC: I love music. I can create a scene just by listening to music and I try to
challenge myself in creating a scene that no one would think about. Music
definitely inspires me to have execution in my work.
TS: What do you enjoy most about your profession?
WC: The feedback and how I have influenced someone’s life. It’s better than
receiving monetary compensation. Just to know that there is one model that is
appreciative with showing them the ins and outs of modeling and fashion. There
was a full figured young lady who was in one of my shows and she was so honored
and thankful that I gave her the opportunity to be involved. When she went off
to college she wrote a news article about me and entered the article into a
contest and she won. I was so honored that she decided to write that article.
TS: What bothers you the least about your profession?
WC: Haters which comes with the territory. Haters from those who had bad
experiences from the Top Model Competitions and became bitter.
TS: Do you family/friends support your profession?
WC: Yes, definitely. I have friends and family who support me in all of my
shows.
TS: What are your dreams and aspirations?
WC: I just want to go back to the child stage where you don’t have a care in the
world. I just want to enjoy the moment of contentment and relaxation.
TS: How do you handle rejection?
WC: I don’t do well with it at all. I try to avoid it if I feel it coming. When
I do get rejected I just suck it up and keep it moving.
TS: When and where was the first fashion show you directed?
WC: PG County Community in 1997 which was called “From Dusk ‘til Dawn”. It was
the first show and everything about it was horrible from the concept to the
models but I learned from it. Even with my 10th Anniversary show I look back on
it and I realized that I could have changed some things to make it better. I’m
always learning and growing.
TS: Where have you traveled to perform?
WC: Will C Productions has traveled to Tennessee, Illinois, North Carolina,
Maryland, DC and Virginia.
TS: What makes Will C Productions different from any other fashion show
production company?
WC: The vision, creativity and concepts.
TS: If you could collaborate with another fashion show director/producer who
would it be?
WC: It would be Glen Jackson because I think he is an icon and humble with his
work. I normally wouldn’t collaborate with another fashion show
director/producer because I’m set in my ways with my creativity, vision and
concepts but if I was given the opportunity it would be him.
TS: If you could work with one model who would it be?
WC: I would love to work with Tyson Beckford because I think he set the ground
for African American Male Model.
TS: If you could work with one designer who would it be?
WC: I would love to work with a designer like Alexander McQueen.
TS: Is being a fashion show director very competitive?
WC: Yes, it’s to a point where it’s a fade, just like tattoos and piercings.
TS: Who is your favorite fashion show director?
WC: I would have to say a good friend of mine who passed away Mr. MacArthur
Brick Jr. because he really opened my eyes to creativity. You think you are
creative but when you see someone else’s vision and creativity it pushes you to
think outside of the box.
TS: What makes Will C uncomfortable?
WC: I really feel uncomfortable talking to people such as hosting an event. It’s
crazy but I had an experience where I forgot someone that truly deserved
recognition and they were hurt by it so I vowed that I would never do that
again. I would write everything in a program so at least if I forgot someone it
would be directly live in front of an audience.
TS: Do you have any other interests/talents?
WC: I have an eye for photography and I’m a massage therapist.
TS: How would you describe your fashion sense?
WC: I really don’t feel like I have a style of my own. I go with the flow and
just make it my own. I’m not a trend setter I just go with how I feel.
TS: Do you get more support from the gay community or the heterosexual
community?
WC: I get support from both communities. My fashion shows cater to both
communities.
TS: What advice do you have to offer those that want to be in your
profession?
WC: I would say to get with someone who is in the profession and work as an
assistant to get all of the experience and training to be successful in the
business. You really have to be determined and dedication to this profession.
TS: Where do you see yourself going as a fashion show director?
WC: I will continue to conduct Top Model Competitions until that gets worn out.
I’m taking a rest with fashion shows at the moment but if I decide to do another
one it will be a big reunion type of fashion show. At the moment I’m getting
contracted to perform scenes for different organizations which I’m very content
with at the moment.
TS: What’s next for Will Caldwell and Will C Productions?
WC: Will C Productions and I will be performing at Tennessee State University in
April, next will be The “F” Word with Teronce Styyles in June and then Will C
Top Model Cycle 5 starts in September.
TS: How could someone in the profession or pursuing the profession get in
contact with Will C Productions?
WC: You can go to our MySpace page at
www.myspace.com/willcproductions
TS: Well, Mr. Caldwell thank you so much for taking time out of your busy
schedule to do this interview with me.
WC: You are welcome and again I’m honored to be apart of the Fashion Issue.
TS: All right well that would conclude another interview session with Teronce
Styyles. REMEMBER IT’S BETTER TO BE A TREND SETTER THAN TRENDY!!!!