Williams began his career as an actor but later wrote and directed pop-promos, viral ads and short films. In 2001 he wrote and directed the short film Royalty which inspired London to Brighton. Royalty premiered at the London Film Festival in 2001, was shown UK television, was shortlisted for the Kodak showcase, and later screened at BAFTA. In 2003 Williams was the only UK-based Director to be picked up by the Fox Searchlight Director's Lab. His short film, It's Okay to Drink Whiskey, made through this programme, premiered at 2004's Sundance Film Festival. His UK TV debut, Naked, was pick of the day in Time Out magazine.
