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Profile By Lori Bower While in class, Bill Olson's attention is fixed on learning as much as possible. But at any time outside of class, his mind could be wandering off and imagining characters and places as far away as another galaxy. His ultimate career goal is one of celestial proportions. "I want to become George Lucas," Olson said. With that goal in mind, 41-year-old Olson is making his academic career at UW-Eau Claire his main focus. He has been an independent filmmaker for many years. Olson spent 11 years in the Twin Cities writing scripts and finding any opportunity available to immerse himself in the world of film. When Olson failed to find professional success, he did some soul searching and returned to his roots in Eau Claire. His interest in the visual arts led him to the closest field offered at UW-Eau Claire: broadcast journalism. Olson is a non-traditional student who is focusing all his energy on school and gaining experience in the broadcast field. His dedication to school leaves him little time for a part-time job. He works at Eau Claire's cable access station as much as his class load allows. Olson said he knows he needs to work diligently to succeed in his career because of his age. "Many companies don't want to hire people my age," Olson said. "So I need to work hard and distinguish myself." Olson's interests outside the classroom include reading and writing science fiction, composing music, studying Spanish and aviation. With his feet on the ground and his eyes fixed on his goals, the possibilities for Olson's career could be written in the stars. |
Commentary by Bill Olson
| When I told Lori I want to be George Lucas, I meant I want to be a wealthy independent
filmmaker, producing and directing whatever project I want regardless of
the cost and regardless of how much interest a studio or
financier might have in the idea or in me.
I'm also drawn, as most independent filmmakers are, by the idea of maintaining control of my work, and ownership of my baby. |
