About Me
Olivia Williams has been in media production since 2018, starting as a volunteer at Mount Lebanon Baptist Church (K2K studios). Olivia has completed her BA in Film and Video Studies at George Mason University with a concentration in Cinematography, with several of her films featured at festivals like the Washington Film Festival, Best of Film at Mason, and Virginia Emerging Film Festival. Currently, she's the Lead Videographer/Social Media Producers for Housing and Residence Life at George Mason University, creating marketing videos for social media and YouTube. She also works as an Assistant Editor, Videographer, and Photographer with SkipperFilms: Video Production based in Leesburg, VA. Olivia also works on the sports podcast "The Course" as the main videographer, editor, and social media producer, hosted by World Cup Haitian soccer player Milan Pierre-Jerome. She collaborates with non-profits on promotional videos and has worked on mini-documentaries like Herstory: Darlene Northam and Hispanic Heritage Month: Mason Men’s Soccer.
My Story
As a cinematographer specializing in social issue dramas and documentaries, my work is a reflection of my journey as a black woman navigating predominantly white spaces across Colorado, Virginia, Tennessee, and Texas. These experiences have shaped my perspective, often casting me in the role of an observer, creating what I call an "Invisible Man" effect where I see but am not always seen. This heightened awareness of my surroundings is a part of my life but I am pushed to be seen by many important people in my life.
The initial push was my middle school chorus teacher, who introduced me to the world of old Hollywood films. Escaping into these cinematic realms became a source of comfort and healing, allowing me to temporarily step out of my own reality and into different narratives. Soon I came across works by Ava Duvernay and discovered a powerful medium for combining societal themes with visual storytelling. Soon after, I strived to create deep connections with audiences by portraying individuals within their environments, exploring the dynamic interplay between personal experiences and the world around us.
My films delve into the nuances of human existence, capturing moments that resonate with authenticity and depth. I was able to show what I had been seeing for so long and share it with the world. My work is created to make a change in society and look at issues beyond the individual. I want people to take action to help marginalized groups and strive for equity in different pockets of the world. My films tackle subjects of womanist ideas ( A Tribute to Black Women), queer acceptance (Radio Silence, Vermillion Wildfire), and POC struggles and fights (Surrender). As an observant storyteller, I invite viewers to see through my eyes and connect with the rich emotions and experiences that shape our lives.