He's a man that for over twenty years has made his mark on the entertainment industry as an actor, writer and producer. William Shockley has allowed his passion for the craft to guide him, and the result has been not just personal satisfaction but a worldwide following of his work
Many got to know him through a variety of roles including the hit show DR. QUINN: Medicine Woman, but it's obvious that he is so much more than just a one-note. As he has shown in 2014 alone he is able to slip into the skin of a variety of characters on television and in movies---and loving every moment of it.
"It's a blessing," he told me during our recent conversation about his career and the year that has been 2014. "It's really great to be able to do what you love and make a couple of dollars along the way. You put your nose to the grindstone, work real hard and sometimes you get lucky."
It's obvious that what he has achieved is about more than just luck, and he admits as much when he adds: "A lot of hard work goes into being an independent producer of films. There's a little bit of glory and a lot of hard work. We've had a great run, and the run is going into 2015. I have a lot to be thankful for."
This year has seen William not just filming movies but being a part of an episode of the successful television show NCIS. No matter whether you go back to his appearances in RoboCop, Good & Evil or his Dr. Quinn days, he definitely has not been type-casted. "I don't think it hurts anybody that's an actor to be willing to 'act'," he told me. "I love character acting. I love assuming different identities, different people, different walks of life. That's part of the thrill for me. I equate it to going undercover. Perhaps that's part of the thing that keep myself interested and the people who are nice enough to watch the tv shows and the movies."
William told me that the courage to go after his dreams is something that has been with him since he can remember. "I grew up with the belief system that if you work real hard and stay dedicated and keep focused you have a shot at being successful," he says. "Nothing's easy or for free. You have to pick something and never waver."
The next project he is looking forward to releasing is the the movie BORN WILD, which is set to be released in mid. December. Part of the way he and others associated with the product have been promoting the film is through social media.
Asking him about the way that the power of social media has grown I wondered what it's been like to have that tool at his disposal. "Social media is here," he told me. "This is the world we live in. I think it's remarkable what social media provides and the people you can touch. It's something else to have people who care about you and what you do. I like to interact and appreciate it."
Talking about BORN WILD, William says "it's so near and dear to my heart." Why? "It's a story I've been wanting to tell for a long time. It's about family, lost love, lost time, heartache and then mending the wrongs that were done. It's a very heartfelt movie."
For those who pre-order an autographed copy of the BORN WILD DVD at www.bornwildmovie.com they are entered into a sweepstakes with a chance to win some amazing prizes. The deadline to enter the contest is Mon. December 8th. The film will be released on DVD and VOD (Video on Demand) Tues. December 16th.
What advice does William share for those looking to break into acting or some other profession? "Have your dream and never lose your focus and your laser vision," he says. "Don't let anyone talk you out of your dream. It's not a part-time gig. It's a full-time pursuit."
Stay connected with William through his website at www.williamshockley.com and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/willshockley.
*Photo credit: Tiiu Loigu
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