Reinforcing Knoxville’s role as a production pillar of the Southeast through Big Slate’s continued evolution

Big Slate Media is excited to announce William Wright as the newest addition to its creative team, joining the company as composer and sound designer. With over 25 years of experience spanning film scoring, sound design, sonic branding and sound art, William brings a rare depth of audio-focused expertise to Big Slate’s in-house capabilities.

William’s background spans a diverse array of creative disciplines, from circus performances and podcasts to feature films and contemporary ballet. He has received multiple accolades, including several Gold Addys for Music and Sound Design, and his work has been showcased at notable events such as Big Ears, London Fashion Week and international music and film festivals. As Music Director of the National Puppetry Conference, William collaborates with composers and puppeteers from around the world, underscoring his reputation as a deeply collaborative and boundary-pushing artist.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Big Slate, a company that’s an essential part of Knoxville’s creative ecosystem and known for its innovative approach to storytelling and creativity,” said William Wright. “What excites me most about this opportunity is the chance to collaborate with such a talented team right here in Knoxville, where sound is given the same level of attention as visuals at a time where music seems to be dying in the margins. The Knoxville creative community has been foundational to my career, and contributing to its continued growth at Big Slate feels especially important right now.”

This addition allows Big Slate to keep the full creative process in-house, from concept and production to sound design and original composition, enabling truly cohesive and original storytelling across both visual and sonic elements. As Big Slate continues to expand specialized offerings such as in-house VFX, the addition of dedicated composition and sound design further positions the company, and Knoxville as a whole, as a comprehensive production hub for commercial and film work in the Southeast.

“This evolution and deepening of specialty service offerings is not just good for Big Slate and it’s clients, but for the shifting production landscape in Knoxville and the industry as a whole,” said Jonathan Halley, founder and executive producer of Big Slate. “This isn’t just about improving sound. It’s about owning the creative process from start to finish and keeping that work here in Knoxville. The region has the talent and creative muscle to support high-level production, and this move affirms that.”

William will contribute across Big Slate’s diverse portfolio, providing original compositions, sound design and sonic branding for commercial campaigns, films and long-form storytelling projects. His addition reflects a broader shift toward holistic, creator-led production models, reinforcing Big Slate’s commitment to crafting work that is as intentional sonically as it is visually and solidifying Knoxville’s role as a comprehensive production pillar of the Southeast.