Director / Writer William J. Saunders is an EMMY Award–winning documentary filmmaker and screenwriter whose work spans high-profile sports films, intimate character studies, and animation. He launched his career at NFL Films, where he developed a cinematic, story-driven approach to nonfiction storytelling. His acclaimed documentary features and series include Billy Mize and the Bakersfield Sound, Coach Snoop, and The Penny Black, recognized for their depth, authenticity, and visual style. In parallel with his documentary work, Saunders writes narrative projects across animation and live action. He is a Film Independent Documentary Lab Fellow, a member of the Directors Guild of America, and earned his MFA from Columbia University’s School of the Arts.