We recently connected with Miguel Ramirez and have shared our conversation below.
Miguel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?
Ramirez Creations was something that initially started as a photo-only type of service, but I knew early on that I did not want to restrict it to just photography. I wanted a business that was multifaceted. I have proficiency in video editing/color grading, camera operation, graphic design, and audio mixing experience as well. I was able to implement these varied skills and be a well-rounded asset to any film/TV or event production set. I knew things were clicking well for me when I was able to navigate hectic and challenging environments easier than most. My temperament and nerves were usually always calm on set as well.
I found myself being a leader and being able to follow through on busy sets. When you gain your peer’s respect and admiration, it is a sign of a job well done.
Miguel, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I went to Mt. San Antonio College and initially started in Radio TV Broadcasting. I moved over to Television Broadcasting Behind the Scenes. From there, I got involved with the production aspect of audio/film. For my externship, I did a stint at an AM radio station where I learned audio mixing, became the manager of audio & film. I learned skills such as video editing, color grading, and creating title cards. This would later help develop the initial stages of my coloring skills. I decided to get two Associate of Science Degrees; One in Radio Television Behind the Scenes, two, Television Film: Production, I finished both and finished out the year. From there, I immediately jumped into working in film. My first job was as a production assistant on set in Big Bear, California. Much of the production sound mixing I did for radio broadcasting carried over into film/tv sound mixing. Video editing was something I did since I was fifteen or sixteen, playing with the Nero 6 movie maker, and doodling with its movie editor. When I was in the Television/Film Program at Mt. San Antonio College, I learned Avid Media Composer and how to efficiently edit. That application wasn’t too far off from how I previously edited 5 years earlier. I then got to do an internship for KDOC TV. I did a stint during their summer line up. At the time, shows like The Goldbergs, Seinfeld, Family Guy, and American Dad were popular. I would do commercial ads and 15 to 30 second break spots.
I think around that time, there were some editors that were in the “finding their way” process. I think meeting someone, I can’t recall her name, but she had somewhere between 19 or 20 commercials under her belt and been at KDOC I want to say maybe beyond a year. She knew exceedingly more than what I knew and should have moved on ages ago. I had wished I told her then, she should have sent her work to different TV stations, ones that had editor positions available. She was overqualified but was waiting to be told the next step.
For the product, services, creative works I provide; I do photography, videography, pre- and postproduction, and graphic design. I manage and take care of creative assets down to the slightest detail and make sure my client’s expectations are met. I’ve worked in a variety of industries, from fashion clothing lines, athletic shoe companies, film and tv sets, and behind the scenes on feature films. What sets me apart from others is my hard work, dedication, and consistency that I provide to each client I work with and the care I put into each project I work on.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
A story from my journey that illustrates my resilience would be early on while filming on a production set. The location was Running Springs, a nature type of scenery and the place had a cobble stone stairway. I remember I tripped on my shoelaces and ate the steps. It happened so fast, I barely had time to register what had just taken place. The cast and crew sort of were shocked, but I felt good and fine. No blood or marks. Our next scene was in an interior for two people dialogue. Our AC was a foot ahead of me. We walked up steps, and I remember, thinking I was seeing stars or like a passing brightness, then I thought, “Oh I probably have a concussion”. We setup for the scene, line up the actors, and did everything that was needed. Thankfully, it wasn’t a movement or action heavy scene for the next few hours, but it was something that I felt, thank goodness we got through everything okay and nothing more serious happened. The rest of the day went fine, and I was able to get checked up later at night and was okay there.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
A time when I had to pivot in business, as unfortunate as it is to say, would be at the end of last year when I had to let some of my staff go. I would devote a fair amount of my time coordinating work for three other employees, such as facilitating contracts. The amount of work required compounded, and I was spending more time on this aspect than on my own project development. I kept it going for two months, but after the third month, things were just beyond a state of repair. I realized that my work was suffering, and my clientele were no longer prioritized. Unfortunately, the only way to get back on track was to refocus on my projects. It was disappointing, but I left my former employees with a solid skillset, work experience, and contacts. They would be on their own, but their experiences at Ramirez Creations would serve them well in future roles.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ramirezcreations.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ramirez_creations/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ramirezcreations
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mramirez200/
Image Credits
Desiree Gonzalez #1 Photo Kimberly Quintana #2 Photo Veronica Posadas #3 Photo Jannelly Ramirez #7 Photo