William Feagins Jr. is a self-taught, award-winning videographer/filmmaker based in Atlanta. He’s a fan of cartoons, indie hip-hop, visual art, live music and sci-fi movies. He has had several of his short documentaries screen at film festivals regionally, nationally and internationally.
As part of an effort to help readers get to know members of Atlanta’s arts community better, we asked Feagins to share 11 things on his mind. Here, in no particular order, are his 11 good things:
1. Cine lenses. I just like the “look” or image the lens provides (prime or zoom), and, with most being fully manual, it gives you a lot of control as well. Not to mention they just look cool and professional on the camera.
2. “Craig of the Creek.” A great cartoon (from Cartoon Network) with a young Black man as the main character going on adventures with friends, using imagination — it reminds me of being a kid and the innocence and fun … before bills and taxes!
3. “Abbott Elementary.” The humor, the awkward moments, the cast. A great sitcom (on ABC).
4. Peters Street Station. This is a place I wish I had access to when I was younger. A creative hub for the community — a place people who look like me can go and be among kindred creative spirits.
5. 529. This venue in East Atlanta Village is one of a few that support and showcase indie artists of all genres, and it has also survived the pandemic and gentrification.
6. Ginger ale. I don’t drink alcohol (no, never), so this is my drink of choice.
7. Chocolate chip muffins. I’m a recovering pastry addict, but every once in a blue moon I’ll allow myself to indulge in a chocolate chip muffin from Publix or Flying Biscuit Café in Candler Park.
8. ‘70s soul music. I am a part of the hip-hop generation, but I grew up on this music (I’m aging myself), and it has a special place in my heart.
9. Art shows/events. For example, the City of Ink anniversary show; Art, Beats + Lyrics; Forward Warrior; Atlanta Style Writers Jam; and ARTiculate ATLanta. They are all Atlanta-made annual shows/events with amazing artists and are like family/class reunions. I go early to see the art and hang around to catch up with people I may not have seen in a while.
10. BronzeLens Film Festival. I’ve had the honor of being accepted and screening projects at this film festival a few times over the years, and, every time I attend, I really enjoy myself. Being an indie (and often solo) filmmaker, it’s not uncommon to feel overlooked by festivals, but I always felt accepted and valued here.
11. Blackmagic Design cameras. My first “prosumer” camera was a Panasonic DVX-100B, and I was a loyal customer for many years, until a couple years ago when I switched to my first Blackmagic Design camera. I wanted something that solely focused on video, and I was impressed with the imagery that camera was capable of producing. Currently, I own a few of their cameras, and I’ve even switched to using their NLE (nonlinear editing) software as well.
Credit: ArtsATL
Credit: ArtsATL
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ArtsATL (artsatl.org) is a nonprofit organization that plays a critical role in educating and informing audiences about metro Atlanta’s arts and culture. ArtsATL, founded in 2009, helps build a sustainable arts community contributing to the economic and cultural health of the city.
If you have any questions about this partnership or others, please contact Senior Manager of Partnerships Nicole Williams at nicole.williams@ajc.com.
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