Interview with Emmy Award Winner

Cinematographer, Entrepreneur Dru Williams

Could you provide a brief overview of your background?

It all began back in 1989 when my grandfather built camcorders for RCA, always having the best of the best equipment around his house. My brother and I would entertain the camera by performing magic shows, yo-yoing, and sparring in karate matches against each other. Growing up with cameras at such an early age felt natural, and I quickly became accustomed to it. As I entered high school, I started to become obsessed with skateboarding and snowboarding. We started shooting and editing our snowboarding films, which I later sold during the winter season out of the trunk of my car at various Midwest ski resorts. At the time, I didn’t realize it, but this was an early sign of my entrepreneurial spirit. Nevertheless, it felt like a normal part of life, something my friends and I simply enjoyed doing.

After graduating from Indiana University with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications, I moved to Salt Lake City in 2012 to pursue snowboarding as a “career” while simultaneously establishing 43 Productions. I navigated in and out of various full-time work while undertaking side production projects under 43. Eventually, I came to the realization that the 9-5 lifestyle wasn’t for me. After experiencing multiple layoffs, I couldn’t trust another company to determine my fate. It was six years later that I made the decision to work for myself full-time.

Fast forward to 2024, and we've expanded the company into 43 Studios—a 2,800 sq ft rentable studio space equipped with mapped projection and multiple video/photo sets available to the creative community.

What led you into the creative industry, and what aspects of this journey do you find most fulfilling?

My grandfather played a significant role in guiding me towards the world of video and photography. Sometimes, I wonder what creative path I might have taken without his guidance. I always enjoyed art, theater, and anything non-sport-related. In our small-town Indiana high school, the basketball team held center stage, though I couldn't care less about it. Everything revolved around that gymnasium, but my only “claim-to-fame” moment there was riding a trashcan lid down the concrete stairs, filming it for our wannabe "Jackass" home movies. I crushed that bit.

Setting my own path from an early age naturally led me into the creative industry; I'm not sure if I knew anything different. The most fulfilling aspect of my career at this point is the constant learning while creating something successful. It's mind-blowing to me that almost every set has something to be taught or learned. Our local film and photo community is beyond talented, and it's fun to continually learn from others while collaborating on set. Working alongside talented individuals, exchanging ideas, and collectively bringing a vision to fruition is deeply rewarding. From brainstorming sessions to the final touches in post-production, each step offers opportunities for growth. Moreover, witnessing the team's collective efforts culminate in a finished project that resonates with audiences is immensely gratifying. It's fulfilling to realize that through our collaborative endeavors, we've created something meaningful that can entertain, inspire, or provoke thought.

We've heard about your Emmy win. Could you share your experience and tell us what you won for?

In 2021, I was honored to win a Regional Emmy for my work on a local ABC show. I co-produced more than 55 episodes and served as the DP and camera operator for over 80 episodes. It was a fun show that highlights restaurants throughout the state of Utah. The Emmy was awarded in the "on location or studio lighting category," which is something I worked really hard to perfect and am constantly experimenting with. It remains the only Emmy the show has received to date. While I take pride in this achievement, I don't consider it the pinnacle of my work. I eagerly anticipate what other accomplishments lie ahead in my career. I view them as mile markers rather than mere trophies.

Could you explain the motivation behind opening your own studio? And what inspired the name "43 Productions"?

Starting a studio is something I have always wanted to do. I grew up in Indiana, working at a photography studio during high school and college, where I fell in love with the possibilities that a blank canvas offered. When I first started 43 Productions in 2012, it was a way for me to officially begin working in the freelance field, which later evolved into a business. As it grew, I realized the need for studio space because of how often I was renting. The idea here is to create a non-intimidating, extremely flexible space that offers almost everything for all creatives. Whether you’re a photographer, filmmaker, musician, podcaster, workshop host, or part of a large film production, 43 Studios is the spot.

The name 43 Productions also came about naturally.  Around the age of 13, I was on a traveling regional snowboard team (whatever that means.) We were named under 43 Industries, and I took very seriously. I later got the number 43 tattooed on my wrist in a basement in Louisville, KY. At that point, it stuck with me for life.

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Cinematographer: Dru Williams

@drut43 @43studiosslc @43productions