Iktomeproductions, based in Detroit Michigan, was founded in 2002 by cinematographer Willie Orlando Ford, a Detroit native with a passion for storytelling who has 24 years experience working in video production. Willie is a graduate of the Specs Howard School of Broadcast and has worked for a variety of clients including Bloomberg TV, Animal Planet, The National Trust for Historic Preservation, PBS, and Fox Sports, among others. Oddly enough, in his spare time you can often catch him reverting to his first media love: still photography.

Project Update 2025

2025 was a difficult year, however I was still able to travel with Diving with a Purpose with their youth program to Roatan and document their students ranging from 13 to 22. It was amazing watching the participants discover their love for the ocean while on their journey. I was tasked with filming the coral reef survey and work with the Roatan Marine Park doing a reef survey, and lucky enough to capture them transplanting Staghorn coral directly on the reef!

Project Update 2022

In 2022 I’ve been lucky enough to work on an underwater project for a wonderful organization called Diving with a Purpose. Who’s mission is to help with the conservation and protection of submerged heritage resources. By providing education, training, certification and field experience to adults and youth in the fields of maritime archaeology and ocean conservation. With a special focus on the protection, documentation and interpretation of African slave trade shipwrecks and the maritime history and culture of African Americans.

Project Update 2021

I am proud to have been the Director of Photography for the inaugural presentation of the Obsidian Theater Festival, a new and invigorating celebration of Black Stories featuring the work of prolific emerging Black voices, illuminating the rich diversity of experiences relevant to the African diaspora in America. There performances were directed, written,and shot by Detroit talent! These 5 performances were streamed, and the entire festival was picked up by Broadway HD.

Project Updates

My latest film Take me Home has been selected for the New Orleans Film Festival!