Greetings Friends!

About Me, from me...

My name is William Kavan. Friends call me Bill. I'm an artist, educator, and filmmaker who thrives at the intersection of storytelling, technology, and education. For over two decades, I’ve cultivated a diverse career that bridges creative expression and innovative problem-solving, with a focus on empowering others through the art of visual storytelling. My journey has led me from sculpting creatures for haunted attractions to shaping academic programs and producing media that connects with audiences on emotional and intellectual levels.

As a filmmaker and cinematographer, I specialize in using light to deepen narrative and emotional expression, capturing moments that evoke thought, feeling, and connection. My experience spans roles such as first assistant director on music videos for artists like Boys II Men and Beebs and Her Money Makers, and associate producer on the horror film Blood Widow. Currently, I’m working on a book that explores how lighting shapes cinematic storytelling and creating transmedia narratives that blend animation, graphic novels, and interactive mobile experiences.

In addition to filmmaking, my professional background includes significant leadership roles in education. As Dean of Education at Compass College of Film and Media, I led the rapid transition of a campus-based film program to an online platform during the COVID-19 pandemic. This achievement maintained an impressive 85%+ retention rate and culminated in the creation of an ACCSC-accredited bachelor’s program. Earlier in my career, I helped develop Full Sail University’s groundbreaking Digital Cinematography program, one of the first distance-learning filmmaking programs to provide students with professional equipment. These experiences demonstrate my ability to navigate complex challenges, embrace emerging technologies, and design programs that prepare students for a rapidly evolving industry.

My artistic practice is equally informed by my time in live broadcasting and television production. At The Daily Buzz, a nationally syndicated morning show aired in over 180 markets, I served in multiple roles, including camera operator, satellite uplink technician, QA specialist, and weather graphics producer. This experience sharpened my technical expertise and my understanding of how media connects with diverse audiences. Whether designing workflows for independent creators or producing immersive moving portraits, I bring a meticulous, story-driven approach to every project.

I’m passionate about creating opportunities for underrepresented voices in art and media. As a neurodivergent creator, I am deeply invested in workflows and tools that enable artists from diverse backgrounds to thrive. My work includes designing efficient production processes for small teams and exploring how emergent technologies, such as AI and interactive storytelling, can democratize media creation. These efforts reflect my ongoing commitment to fostering inclusivity, accessibility, and innovation in the creative industries.

This site serves as both a portfolio and a platform—a space to share my work, research, and ideas at the intersection of art, storytelling, and technology. Here, you’ll find projects that highlight my expertise in filmmaking, education, and transmedia storytelling alongside resources designed to inspire and empower creators.

Thank you for visiting. I invite you to explore my work, join the conversation, and connect as we reimagine how art and technology can shape the future of storytelling and education. Together, we can amplify voices, challenge perceptions, and build meaningful connections through creativity.

Most humbly,

William