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Will Gates

@directorwillgates

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🎬 Film Director | Chicago
Director of The Candy Store
🏆 Independent Film of the Year 2026
CEO – Open World Films
👇 Watch my films

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Season 1 of @creativehustleofficial streaming on @tubi . Sketch comedy, stand up, and musical performances all on one show.
#fyp #foryou #reels #exploremore #reelsinstagram

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I got the opportunity to not only meet some extraordinary people but I got to compete against them in the first annual Chicago Indie film softball classic. This was more than just a game. This was the beginning of a movement to inspire independent filmmakers to rise above any challenges they might have in life and keep winning. I couldn't be more proud of my team the Scene Stealers for taking 2nd place. Congratulations to the champions. I ain't never been a hater 🫡 🎬⚾🏆#chicagoindiefilm #softball #scenestealers #chicagofilmmakers

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Coaching the Show Runners in the 1st Annual Chicago Indie Film Softball Classic was something I’ll never forget. Seeing filmmakers, actors, writers, directors, producers, crew members, families, friends and creatives from all across Chicago come together for one day of competition, laughs, networking, and community was everything I hoped it would be.

Thank you to every player, coach, sponsor, volunteer, supporter, and everyone who came out and made this event special. You proved that when Chicago’s independent film community comes together, we’re capable of building something bigger than ourselves.

I’m proud to have been a coach, but even more proud to be a part of this growing movement.

The first year set the bar high… and I can’t wait to see what next year brings. We’re just getting started.

See you all at the 2nd Annual Chicago Indie Film Softball Classic! ⚾🎬

#ChicagoIndieFilmCollective #ChicagoIndieFilmSoftballClassic #ShowRunners #ChicagoFilm #SeeYouNextYear

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The Preacher’s Truth Premiere 🎬🎟️

Sunday, August 2nd, 2026
4PM-8PM
Baer Theatre
2153 W 111th St. Chicago, IL 60643

Limited seats available. Free parking in rear.

Get your tickets here: LINK IN BIO 🔗
https://ticketstripe.com/thepreacherstruthpremiere

The Preacher’s Truth — the truth never dies.

Written by: @whois_bo 📝
Directors: @directorwillgates & @whois_bo 🎥

Starring: 🎬
@comedianmikesamp
@vellekimble
@tkay_35
@iamjjthe
@tmansming
@theofficial_japg
@iamshantarenee
@jazzellesworld
@dondonactorceo
@_jasminedunlap_
@charlesap183
@followmysmile_red
@actress_asia_marie
@deedeelogan287
@maxjulian2200
@ftfne_ameer
@ap0llonia._
@moola_guapo
@lodoesitall
@tyra_itsinyou
@yamanz_tsmoove
@directorwillgates
@vbodyandbeautyspa
@lifeof.a1_
@foreignempress1
@lexluther2x_
@cho_bald_head_asz

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🗣️ Shout out to the Brodie Philmore Greene and a dope night at City Winery - Chicago ….. packed house, hellava performance, guests and a fire band!! 🏄🏾‍♂️🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊

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1st Annual Chicago Indie Film Softball Classic 🎥🎥🎥 it was great to see a lot of familiar faces! I had so much fun we gotta do stuff like this more often!!! @chicagoindiefilmcollective #fyp #relashayproductions🎥 #explore #filmlife #reel

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🎬⚾ THANK YOU, CHICAGO! ⚾

What an unforgettable day! Thank you to everyone who came out and made the 1st Annual Chicago Indie Film Softball Classic such a huge success.

Congratulations to the Reel Hittas on becoming the 1st Annual Chicago Indie Film Softball Classic Champions! 🏆⚾ What a well-earned victory!

A special thank you to our incredible sponsors, dedicated coaches, amazing participants, volunteers, and every fan who showed up to support Chicago’s independent film community. Because of you, we proved that our community is stronger when we come together.

This was more than a softball tournament—it was a celebration of filmmakers, creatives, collaboration, and community. We can’t wait to make next year’s event even bigger and better!

From all of us at the Chicago Indie Film Collective, thank you for believing in the vision. See you at the 2nd Annual Chicago Indie Film Softball Classic! ❤️🎬⚾

Follow @chicagoindiefilmcollective

#ChicagoIndieFilmCollective #ChicagoIndieFilmSoftballClassic #ChicagoFilm #SeeYouNextYear

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⚾🎬 Nothing beats bringing Chicago’s creative community together!

Big shoutout to @chicagoindiefilmcollective for hosting an incredible 1st Annual Chicago Indie Film Softball Classic! It was great seeing filmmakers, actors, directors, producers, writers, editors, cinematographers, and creatives come together for a day of networking, competition, and community.

A huge thank you to all of the sponsors, volunteers, organizers, and team captains for making this event possible. Be sure to show them some love by checking them out and giving them a follow! 👏

Special shoutout to:
🎬 @chicagoindiefilmcollective
🤝 All Sponsors
⚾ All Team Captains
🎥 Everyone who came out to support Chicago’s film community!

Looking forward to seeing this become a Chicago tradition. Until next year! 🎥⚾

#ChicagoFilm #ChicagoCreatives #IndieFilm #DezyMedia #CommunityOverCompetition

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S/o to @directorwillgates for all the luv at this great event! Fire Sticks Gaming is all about community and providing resources. The Chicago film scene is in great hands with brothers like this! S/o @iamempressfox on 📸 #FireSticksGaming 🔥🎮

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Usually we are working with sponsors but this time we became the sponsor! Big thanks to @directorwillgates @whois_bo for the opportunity! S/o @tlntd.mp3 on the 🎥 #FireSticksGaming 🔥🎮

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beautiful day at the @chicagoindiefilmcollective Film Softball Tournament at Columbus Park. The rain tried to interrupt the games, but once it cleared, the competition continued. It was great seeing filmmakers, photographers, actors, directors, and other creatives come together to have fun and build community. PRIME was there supporting the people behind the camera and behind the scenes because these crews help bring every vision to life, placing real physical demands on their bodies, too. Special thank you to @directorwillgates @whois_bo the coaches, and everyone who welcomed me into your space. I had a great time meeting you all and working alongside my creative @iamempressfox
Looking forward to the future collaborations.

#prime #performancereadiness #chicagofilm #filmcommunity #crewwellness

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S/o to all the wonderful people supporting the @chicagoindiefilmcollective softball 🥎 game! These brothers @directorwillgates & @whois_bo did they thang I’m happy we could sponsor the jerseys they were 🔥🔥🔥 I got more footage dropping soon!! #FireSticksGaming

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