Orian Williams began gaining international recognition with Shadow of the Vampire (2000), a stylized film about the making of Nosferatu, starring John Malkovich and Willem Dafoe. The film was nominated for major awards including the Academy Awards and Golden Globes, helping establish his reputation in independent cinema.

His breakthrough as a lead producer came with Control (2007), Anton Corbijn’s acclaimed biopic about Joy Division singer Ian Curtis. The film won the British Independent Film Award and received multiple festival and BAFTA honors.

His recent documentary Billy Idol Should Be Dead, directed by Jonas Åkerlund, explores the life and turbulent career of the punk icon. The film features archival footage and interviews with artists such as Miley Cyrus, Nile Rodgers, and members of the Sex Pistols. It premiered theatrically and aired on Sky Arts, and NOW in March 2026, with Live Nation involved in production and distribution activities.

His work frequently explores music history, counterculture, and artistic biography, often collaborating with directors who bring strong visual or musical sensibilities. Many of his projects sit at the intersection of rock music culture, literature, and independent cinema.