Today we’d like to introduce you to William Greenblatt.
William, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started as a publicity photographer over 35 years ago in New York City. Clients included Radio City Music Hall, Universal Pictures among others. In 1984 I moved (with my family) to Los Angeles to merge photography with film production and film direction with over 25 films produced with stars like Sean Penn, Martin Sheen, Diane Keaton among many others. I have never lost my passion for photography and specialize in portraits, theater and film stills, travel and street photography.
Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing meaningful comes without struggles. But, I’ve been very lucky to be successful following my creative passions in both film, video and still photography.
Who, or what, deserves a lot of credit for where you are today?
Martin Sheen (Apocalypse Now, The West Wing)- We became great friends and business partners in New York decades ago and Martin supported me coming out to California to start a creative film career with him during the 80’s. I never looked back. I’ve had dozens of other special friends and teachers including Ben Mancuso (Impact Photo) who taught me photography when he was the leading publicity photographer in NY. We shot all the shows at Radio City Music hall and all the NY openings of major motion pictures. Norman Lear (All in the Family) supported my work and underwrote the development of several of our projects including the motion picture “Da” starring Martin Sheen and Barnard Hughes (who won the Tony for his performance of play on Broadway).
Do you have a favorite type of client or project?
I love to be challenged. So, travel assignments, news, dramatic portraits, dance, gymnastics, powerful people, unusual weddings. I become obsessed and passionate about the things I agree to do. Therefore I’m selective about the people and projects I take on. Since my alternate passion is producing and directing motion pictures, I often use my photography to meet new people with new stories or locations which might inspire movies or TV show.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
That’s a loaded question. There are of course, many mistakes and false starts we all make in our lives. But, in general, for me, I wouldn’t change the big things. I’ve had extraordinary experiences and have 2 wonderful children, a handsome and brilliant grandson and many friends who would not be in my life if I had varied my course.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.symphony-pictures.com
- Phone: 310-656-9040
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
All photos (c) William R. Greenblatt. Please credit – Photo by William R. Greenblatt
