William Klayer's cinematic odyssey commenced with a life-altering encounter, as he found himself captivated by the eerie atmosphere of a grindhouse theater situated on the iconic 42nd Street in the vibrant city of New York. It was within this setting, where the sounds of the city's bustling streets blended with the eerie sounds of Jason Voorhees' machete, that his name first made its debut in the credits of the cult classic film, Friday the 13th.
As a native New Yorker, Klayer's professional trajectory has been deeply entrenched in the vibrant and ever-pulsating metropolis that has earned the nickname "the city that never sleeps". Throughout his illustrious career, he has had the unique privilege of being involved in the creation of some of the most iconic and enduring television shows ever to be set within the five boroughs of New York City, including the original and groundbreaking run of the esteemed Law & Order.
Klayer's initial foray into the entertainment industry was characterized by his stint as an on-set electrician, a role that required him to navigate the intricate process of running cables through gutters, a task that demanded precision and attention to detail. Additionally, he spent a significant amount of time mounting lights on rooftops, a physically demanding endeavor that tested his endurance and agility.
Throughout his tenure as an on-set electrician, Klayer consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and unwavering dedication, traits that ultimately paved the way for his transition to a more senior role. He leveraged his newfound expertise to become a skilled cinematographer, a position that allowed him to contribute to the creation of over two dozen TV series.
Noted television personality and creative force, Klayer, has made a significant impact on the world of comedy through his extensive work on iconic shows such as 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, a testament to his remarkable versatility and deep passion for the art of storytelling.
Throughout his illustrious career, Klayer has demonstrated an uncanny ability to seamlessly adapt to any situation, as exemplified by his experience pretending to be in New York City while filming the hit series Suits in Toronto, showcasing his remarkable capacity for flexibility and resourcefulness.
Klayer, a highly accomplished and versatile individual, has been diligently serving as the director of photography for the esteemed CBS television series, FBI Most Wanted, in recent years.
As a director, Klayer takes immense pride in his outstanding body of work, with a particular highlight being his award-winning short film, Under a Stone, which has garnered widespread critical acclaim and recognition within the industry.
Klayer's impressive achievement with Under a Stone serves as a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication to his craft, earning him a reputation as a talented and innovative filmmaker.
With his impressive credentials and a proven track record of success, Klayer is undoubtedly a prominent figure in the world of filmmaking, with a bright future ahead of him.
Klayer's professional trajectory has been marked by an unwavering dedication to the art of storytelling, with a particular emphasis on capturing the essence and vibrancy of the city that never sleeps, New York, in his extensive body of work.
