When Severna Park High School sophomore Duncan Williams started writing the screenplay for his debut short film, “Looking,” he never imagined that it would end up premiering at a movie theater. “I had the flu over the winter, and I was in bed for three weeks, and that’s when I started writing a screenwright,” said Williams. “Eventually, one thing led to another, I typed it up, started handing it out to people. I mean, it’s a lot more than I ever thought it would become.”
Williams has always been interested in film, and when he decided to make his own, he took inspiration from his favorite movies while writing and directing. “Some of my favorite films, like ‘Stuck in Love,’ or ‘Juno,’ [gave me inspiration]. I take a lot of inspiration from other artists,” said Williams.
The film follows a young high school student, Molly, who struggles with issues in her home and social lives throughout the movie. “This film is taking a step forward into her life and seeing how she’s coping with all these problems,” said Williams. “She’s suffocating in her hometown.”
His vision started to take hold when he compiled his potential together and received $1000 in donations using the website Kickstarter. Before he knew it, it was time to start the filming process.
Duncan started the filming process towards the end of April and worked on the film through May with the support and help of his team of his friends, and family. After much hard work, he successfully completed his first film project. “It’s so awesome when a friend or family member would ask how I was doing, and if they could help,” said Williams. The cast and crew of the film consists of some of Williams’ supportive best friends. “The cast, and the crew, they’re both amazing,” said Williams. “They’ve been by my side through this whole thing; they’re the most amazing people I’ve ever met. I’m so blessed to have such an awesome team.”
Molly Sullivan, a freshman at Archbishop Spalding High School, is the star of the film. She first was involved with the movie as a makeup artist, but ended up taking on the role of the main character when the original actress dropped out. “He [Duncan] is honestly the sweetest guy. He’s so talented, he’s so nice and caring about other people, he’s really direct in what he wants, and this movie is really directed towards him and what he’s done,” said Sullivan.
Although he was nervous about his classmates seeing the film, Duncan was excited for the premiere on June 2, and hoped that the audience was touched by his work. “If you know the feeling, after you watch a movie that you have been impacted by, you’re leaving the theater or you’re turning the TV off, and you’re thinking about the movie and how it affects your life. In a perfect world, I want people to be reflecting and impacted by my film,” said Williams.
Now that Williams has his first big project under his belt, he plans for bigger and better projects in the future. “This is my first big project, and it’s been the most incredible experience, so I’m really looking to do another big project in the future, but I will be doing small projects along the way, trying new things, and always challenging myself,” concluded Williams.
