Hudson Williams' Pre-Fame Short Films "Hold Your Back" and "Dogging" Resurface Amid "Heated Rivalry" Stardom

Hudson Williams, who portrays Shane Hollander in the popular series "Heated Rivalry", first gained attention through independent short films he wrote, directed, produced, and starred in prior to his breakout role. Before achieving fame, Williams worked as a waiter at The Old Spaghetti Factory restaurant in New Westminster, Metro Vancouver, while actively creating content. His early projects include "Hold Your Back", a 2024 short film written and directed by Zack Fonzovs, who also stars alongside Williams as a gay couple navigating a volatile breakup complicated by the presence of a baby.

The five-minute film "Hold Your Back" opens in medias res, depicting the aftermath of an emotional confrontation that escalates into further tension, including scenes of domestic violence. Fonzovs credits Williams for inspiring the project's creation, stating, “I made this film back in 2024 for the Shits N Giggles Film Festival. Hudson Williams is the reason this movie exists. I had an idea about two men going through a violent yet passionate breakup, and he filled me with enough passion and help to go through with its creation. So with his newfound and well deserved recognition, I figured why not give the world more of the brilliant Hudson. ” Originally made for the festival, the film remained on Fonzovs'hard drive until recently released publicly to capitalize on Williams'rising profile.

Fan responses to "Hold Your Back" highlight its emotional impact, with one viewer commenting, “thanks i didn’t wanna start the year happy anyway, ” and another noting, “Came for Hudson, stayed for the heartbreak. I see the vision. ” A third praised its role in exposing audiences to indie filmmaking, saying, “i love how hudson's work is introducing people to this whole other world of film outside of the mainstream. all these creative, unique short films are proof that anyone can do this and you don't have to wait for a big studio. .. to accept you in order make the art you wanna make, you can just go out there and do it yourself. ” These reactions underscore the film's resonance within LGBTQ+ communities, where stories of gay relationships and their complexities foster vital representation.

In contrast, Williams'short "Dogging" offers comedic relief, featuring him as Rex, a human paid to role-play as a dog for a Swedish journalist character played by Fonzovs. Directed, produced, and written by Williams and Mark Masterton, the film playfully subverts expectations around the term "dogging, "including a scene of Rex resisting a bath. A fan commented, “goddamn Hudson you are HOT dog! lol these skits are way too funny, I am dying. you guys are crazy and I love it. ” Produced shortly before Williams' "Heated Rivalry" casting, "Dogging" exemplifies his versatility in queer humor and performance art.

Williams'prior television appearances include small roles in series such as "Allegiance" and "Tracker". The resurfacing of these shorts coincides with broader attention on Williams, including discussions around his past Letterboxd film reviews, which have sparked online debate but are separate from his filmmaking work. For transgender people and others in the LGBTQ+ community, Williams'trajectory highlights the importance of independent platforms for queer creators, allowing authentic stories like those in "Hold Your Back"—exploring gay relationship dynamics—and "Dogging"'s lighthearted role-play to reach audiences without mainstream gatekeeping.

This moment also reflects evolving visibility for LGBTQ+ talent in media. "Heated Rivalry", a series featuring queer narratives, has propelled Williams into the spotlight, prompting retrospectives on his grassroots beginnings. Community responses celebrate how such indie works empower transgender people, gay men, and other queer individuals to tell their stories, fostering empathy and innovation in cinema. Note: Coverage is primarily from one detailed source as of early January 2026; additional independent outlets confirming details were not located in available results. Williams'films continue to draw views, bridging his pre-fame hustle with current success.