William Gibbs-Heard has a lifelong fascination for film and media.
“Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved movies. I remember anytime we had a disc or VHS, I would watch the behind-the-scenes footage before watching the actual film so that I would know how it was filmed along with the director’s commentary. Naturally, through my years in school, I developed a love for media and film and that eventually led me to wanting to major in it in college,” Gibbs-Heard said. “I’ve been taking pictures ever since middle school and taking my photography seriously for about two years now.”
After submitting his portfolio for an open call for photographers, William Gibbs-Heard was invited to shoot a fashion show run by Runway 7 in New York City.
While scrolling through his photography Instagram account, Gibbs-Heard saw an open call for photographers for a February fashion show run by Runway 7 in New York City.
“I submitted my portfolio and was sent a message stating that I got in,” he said. “It was unreal and, truthfully, I was terrified, especially to do this alone, but I took this as a sign and a large step for me both as professional growth and personal growth as well. “
A film major with a minor in marketing who is graduating in May, Gibbs-Heard said that the show was amazing and gave him a behind-the-scenes look into the industry.
“They had over 120 designers from 16 different countries showcasing their work as well as their cultural pride and heritage. I also had the chance to network with people from all over, from the Netherlands to L.A.,” he said. “This experience in and of itself allowed me to open my eyes to a bigger world around me and the infinite possibilities that I can do as a creative.”
William Gibbs-Heard took this photo of a model at the Runway 7 fashion show in New York City.
Gibbs-Heard has previously filmed with Madhouse and the UToledo Counseling Center and said that the experience helped him gain insight on how to produce short form content and what working with a professional crew and actors was like.
Dr. Matt Foss, an associate professor of theatre and film, worked with Gibbs-Heard on set.
“He’s a skilled and energetic filmmaker — great professionalism on set and has a strong point of view for telling his own stories,” Foss said. “He has a bright future.”
Gibbs-Heard was also a member of the Black Student Union as well as the Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA), having served in executive positions in both organizations.
“My sophomore year, I joined the Black Student Union as co-director of public relations, so I worked with relations between different orgs as well as creating social media posts for events,” Gibbs-Heard said. “I do the same for SAGA and have been for three years as outreach chair, with one year as co-president. I also helped found the UToledo Pride Festival and have been working as a planner for the event for the past four years.”
Gibbs-Heard said he was appreciative to UToledo for the opportunities the University has provided to him.
“UToledo did not disappoint,” he said. “My connections with my peers and love for film has grown immensely and helped me become the creative that I am today.”
