Dean Williams, a prolific still and set photographer for over 160 productions including Legally Blonde 2, Batman Returns and Poltergeist III, has died, the Central Illinois Film Commission, which he helped launch in 2005, announced on Facebook.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dean Williams of Springfield, Illinois — a visionary, advocate, and cornerstone of the Central Illinois film and creative community,” the organization wrote in a statement. “Dean was a driving force behind the growth of filmmaking in our region. As the founder and Executive Director of the Central Illinois Film Commission (CIFC), he worked tirelessly to promote Central Illinois as a viable and welcoming location for film and media production. Through his leadership, Dean helped connect local talent with meaningful projects, brought productions to the area, and created opportunities for creatives to thrive close to home.”
Of the commission and his dedication to bringing filming to his hometown, he once said in a 2012 interview, “You’ve got to approach [people] and say ‘This is what we have to offer.’ If you don’t ring your own doorbell, nobody else will.”
Williams’ many credits as an eventual member of the International Cinematographers Guild (IATSE Local 600) also included The Blues Brothers, Coal Miner’s Daughter, Caddyshack, Barbarosa, Starman, Uncle Buck, Next of Kin, Tango & Cash and Rocky V. In addition to serving Hollywood, Williams was the owner of namesake Dean Williams Photography, which specialized in professional portraits, weddings and events. He also preserved media via the Springfield Historic Media Center, a CIFC initiative dedicated to digitizing and safeguarding regional film knowledge for posterity.
“Dean was more than a creative professional — he was a connector, mentor, and advocate who believed deeply in the potential of Central Illinois. His legacy lives on through the projects he built, the people he supported, and the creative community he helped strengthen. He will be greatly missed, and his contributions to Springfield and the surrounding region will not be forgotten,” CIFC concluded.
Per the CIFC, visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8 at Staab Funeral Home in Springfield, Ill. An additional visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 9 from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Camp Butler, where all are welcome.
