BOY WONDER. From talking earnestly about being a newcomer in the movie industry to the future of his music career, Boy William does not hold back. Gabriela Yosefina sits down with the young performer
Outfit by Lanvin, watch by Panerai
In a world of overly introspective individuals, we could do with a few more people like Boy William. He does not hesitate in saying what he thinks out loud, and he is not afraid of showing who he really is. While such complete frankness can of course be a double-edged sword, at least you know that he is not attempting to hide anything. William will happily confide, “I work like a machine” or “I love partying, but I work harder,” to describe his work-life balance without fearing the negative assumptions that such statements may provoke. As a matter of fact, he shows very little sign of fearing stereotypes or labels—aside from his own perceptions, of course.
Arriving in a simple T-shirt and denim trousers to the photo set, the 1991-born actor appears every bit in his element—laid-back and ready to roll—despite his confession that “being photographed is not my thing.” It comes as a slight surprise, though, from a regular fixture on television shows and movie titles. Starting in the entertainment industry as an MTV’s VJ, he is certainly no stranger to the camera. His career has developed at a rapid pace—100,000 plus followers on Instagram, a testament to his popularity—and the coming year already looks promising. With two music-themed television shows, a movie showing in cinema and two more titles are to be released early 2015, William is officially the one to watch.
Outfit by Louis Vuitton
“I don’t categorize myself as an actor or as a VJ. I see myself as an achiever who works hard”
Interestingly, the dark-haired hunk regularly gives thanks for the “God-given talent” that he believes has been the key to his career trajectory. “All of this is God-given talent, but it was merely a hobby to start with. Back in school, I joined music and sports classes instead of math or English. When I got back here after spending my ‘transformative years’ in New Zealand and the States since I was four, I tried auditioning and got through. Then, it slowly becomes a serious venture of mine. I could prove to my family that I can make it, by taking a slightly different path than just going straight into business. Besides, I am only 23, so let me do what I want. Isn’t that so?”
Outfit by Emporio Armani
Although the young talent doesn’t seem to need confirmation from anyone, things were not exactly easy for William at first. “Nobody was watching MTV (Indonesia) at the time, the ratings were so low when I was there,” he recalls. “Then all of a sudden, there was this offer for the movie ‘Mama Cake’ because they needed someone who could speak in English and Indonesian, like me!” Being offered the role as a main character named Willy, the actor was convinced that he would fall short. “After finding out that there were some big names also auditioning for the role, I just sort of let it go. But when I found out that I got the part, it was truly a shocker.” Throughout filming, however, he still had to overcome the language barrier—English is his first language while the crew would converse mainly in fast-paced Indonesian. “They used to make fun of me and teach me all the bad words! I felt out of place, like an alien. Even today, I still feel like a bit of a newcomer.”
Outfit by Emporio Armani, glasses by Oliver Peoples – Optik Melawai
Nevertheless, William has not allowed the language barrier to come between him and his craft. In another central role in the movie “Di Balik Pintu Istana” (Behind the Gate of the Palace), he plays a Chinese Indonesian university student who has a relationship with a native Indonesian girl. The movie is set in 1998, the year that Indonesia faced the tragedy of violent killings, severe discrimination and monetary crisis that eventually led to major governmental and cultural change in the country. From the storyline to the characterization, William has another challenge to overcome: how to relate to the role. “When it all happened, I was still only seven years old and living in New Zealand. Therefore, there has been plenty of research involved, such as visiting Trisakti University and chatting with the alumni who were in the middle of things during this dark period. I observed how they talked and how they dressed, as well as re-experiencing the tragedy with them.”
Outfit by Louis Vuitton
“If you ask me what I am going to do in the future, I simply want to achieve more. I want to reach the peak of my career in a short amount of time, while I am young”
While the challenges of being a professional actor are numerous, music remains his true passion. The Libran admits to loving all music and he, thus, finds it hard to define himself within a certain genre. “When it comes to my music, it always goes with my mood. If you listen to my songs, there is a mix of everything. A little rap here, a little melancholy there and then, suddenly, there can also be a little anger.” And despite teaching himself to play piano and guitar, he does not aspire to be a fulltime musician. “I prefer to do features rather than anything else. For instance, I will do a little rap on someone’s track. Or I will do a soundtrack especially for a movie I am acting in. While music is my passion, I still think of myself as a VJ who sings, rather than a musician paving his way in the industry.”
Outfit by Emporio Armani
Though his position within the music industry appears unique, otherwise the VJ-cum-actor simply has his eyes set on achieving more—in whatever he does. “If you ask me what I am going to do in the future, I simply want to achieve more. I want to reach the peak of my career in a short amount of time, while I am young. I don’t categorize myself as an actor or as a VJ. I see myself as an achiever who works hard. If you tell me to paint the walls right now, I will do it with 100-percent commitment, and I will do it better than anyone else.”
Outfit by Lanvin, shoes by Tod’s, sunglasses by Tommy Hilfiger – Optik Melawai
Determined and excited at the same time, William also feels that it is necessary to credit someone he strongly looks up to in the industry. “A lot of people compare me with VJ Daniel, but there is no way I can be the next Daniel. He is someone I look up to because of the amazing progress he has made in his career. But I will make my own part. And I’d rather be the first Boy William.”
See what’s going on behind-the-scene:
Photography Nurulita
Styling Peter Zewet
Styling Assistant Triska Putri
Grooming Kenshie Lie
Videography and Editing Dimas Anggakara
Location YEYO Lobby & Eatery
(Jl. Senopati No. 64, Jakarta; +62 21 7228 129)
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