About Billy
William K Near III
Experience
Arnold Worldwide SVP Group Head Producer
For 15 years (with a 5-year stint on the production side* mixed in) I oversaw all aspects of production on national and global campaigns for Jack Daniel’s, New Balance, Titleist, The Hartford, ESPN and many more.
Developed the nickname #billygotime and a reputation for overseas production expertise and efficiencies (Vancouver, Cape Town, Prague, Sydney, Ouarzazate, Buenos Aires and many more production destinations…)
*Production side
I started my career as a music video producer in Boston. As EP, grew a local production company, September Productions, into a national player. Did a stint at the next cool Boston shop, Picture Park, and opened Populuxe Pictures in NYC. I have a lot of heart for line producing and first “AD”ing and believe this has made me a better and more rounded agency producer.
While in New York I served two years on the board of the AICP. The relationships built there thrive to this day and it’s not lost on me that very few agency-side producers can call on this depth of experience. My passion project outside of work is raising money for the Jimmy Fund, 100% of which goes to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I’m married to Liza, who is in the business, so she understands. We have four fabulous kids, two rescued beagles, and a charmed life.
Over a dozen references at the top of their craft are available to speak with you upon request.