William Simmons, Creative Producer of Sonora

The film industry reaches beyond entertainment. It is visual storytelling. It is portraying harsh societal truths, raising awareness about injustice, bringing a voice to the voiceless. William Simmons (’18), Creative Producing major and Political Science minor here at Chapman University is using his Dodge senior capstone to produce a film that breaks the silence around the pervasive existence of child prostitution in Nevada.

Simmons, one of Center for UG Excellence’s Fall Grant Recipients, is “head honcho” of the forthcoming film, Sonora, leading a team of seven fellow Dodge students collaborating on the project. As creative producer, Simmons has tackles countless details from the project’s inception to its final wrap. For those unfamiliar with the film industry, Simmons describes the role of the creative producer, “he’s like a CEO…he kind of watches everything and puts out fires,” while simultaneously finding scripts, attaching key talent, and overseeing every process.

But a career in creative producing was not always Simmons’ clear path. Influenced by childhood trips to Africa, Simmons found himself interested in pursuing a career in diplomacy, considering the political path with ideas of becoming Secretary of State. Deciding between film school and politics, Simmons recognized the common thread between his two areas of interest, “I’ve always loved storytelling…politics is a story in and of itself.” As a Political Science minor, his penchant and passion for sociopolitical change is undoubtedly an influence on his work as a creative producer. His project, Sonora, is an apropos manifestation of his interests and ideals.

Dodge students John Sayage, Anthony Abaci, and William Simmons (left to right) on set

Sonora was first brought to his attention by Jesse Suchomel, the film’s now director and Simmons’ best friend. The script was inspired by the documentary Trafficked No More that “follows the story of Jessie Foster, a girl who visited Vegas, decided to stay, and was reeled into prostitution. They disappeared from 2003-2006 and Jessie’s three friends were found murdered. Jessie’s body was never found, leading our writer Ruben Rodriguez to ask the question, ‘What if she survived?’ and how an escape from that life might have happened, thus, inspiring Sonora.”

William Simmons pictured at MTV as a 2016 summer intern in their Television Series Production department

Simmons shares, “Of 190 identified sex-trafficking victims in 2014, researchers found two-thirds were under 18 years old, one in five was brought to southern Nevada.“ Shocked by this disturbing reality, the film intends to raise awareness about child prostitution in the west. A Texas native, Simmons admits his love of western films was an additional factor that drew him to the project: “I was an only child, and I had a lot of space to move and create. That’s what I kind of associate the west with: creation, opportunity, but also redemption.”

Though Sonora does not shy away from difficult social and political issues, Simmons notes that the idea of redemption truly drives the film. The story follows a veteran assassin “with a checkered past”, who despite his digressions comes to seek the light. Influenced by Martin Scorsese’s directorial focus on telling stories of redemption, Simmons emphasizes, “All my life I’ve wanted to tell these stories about redemption but also not hide the truth of human depravity.” The goal of Sonora is to do just that.

The Sonora crew filming on location in Nevada

Simmons is not one to shy away from a challenge. Collaborating with a large production team, difficulties undoubtedly arise, but he notes organization is key, “otherwise, pandemonium.” With production costs coming in at over $35,000, Simmons identifies one of the most rewarding aspects of his work thus far has been raising necessary funds. In meeting with potential donors, seeing them get excited and interested about the project, and “seeing peoples’ faces light up” was both fulfilling and validating that Sonora has the potential to be extremely impactful. With patience and tenacity, Simmons was able to raise the total $35,000 to bring the project to fruition.

Though the project itself is entirely student run, Simmons credits the immense influence and invaluable guidance of his faculty mentor Harry Ufland. Meeting Ufland his sophomore year clearly lit a fire in his belly to pursue film with ferocity after tearing his ACL, an injury that forced him to leave Chapman University’s football team. Simmons confesses, “I had to put my energy into something else…[Ufland] was very hard on me.” His “straight-shooter, New York guy” attitude proved to be the push Simmons needed to seek opportunity in the film industry. Ufland encouraged him to explore a career in the talent agency realm: following an internship at the Creative Artists Agency, Simmons has successfully secured a post-graduation position at the same company. With certainty, Simmons advises, “Any Dodge kid, I recommend you are mentored by Harry Ufland.”

Sonora’s crew filming car footage with police escort

The Center for UG Excellence is proud to provide Simmons and the team behind Sonora with a grant to be used for the film’s special effects. With a laugh, Simmons expressed his hesitancy writing a grant for something as unorthodox as a special effect gunshot wound. The funds have been allocated to providing a “rig system where you press a button and it shoots out blood.” The Center for UG Excellence is thrilled to assist Simmons and his skilled team in producing a film with such potential.

To students considering undergraduate research and creative activity, Simmons advises, “Be active…find a mentor that really challenges and gives you stuff to learn…find what your niche is.” Simmons’ work exemplifies the agency and determination that is so valued and vital for manifesting change through research and creative activity. The Center for UG Excellence extends hearty congratulations to Will Simmons and the entire production team of Sonora for joining the ranks of the Fall 2017 Grant Recipients and for producing a film that is sure to be compelling and impactful.

For readers interested in joining the fight against human trafficking and child prostitution, Simmons recommends contributing to the non-profit Mothers Against Trafficking Humans and The Polaris Project, another reliable anti-trafficking organization.

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