Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ron Placone. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Ron , thanks for joining us today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?
First, in college I would’ve taken a film class or two. As someone who fell into the content world with online video and most recently with my first feature film, it would’ve been great to know a little bit more about filmmaking than I did starting out. During the lockdown in 2020 I took an online filmmaking class which was great and I still re-visit it from time to time. Also, I’ve produced and co-produced a webisode pilot, a short Vertical film, and a feature this year so just doing that has given tons of experience compared to just a year ago, but yeah. I would’ve taken some film production classes in college or wherever. I highly recommend that to anyone who is interested in pursuing any type of creative career. These days, we’re all content creators at the end of the day so knowing a thing or two about producing a good video or podcast is infinitely valuable. Of course, it doesn’t have to be in some formal academic setting, obviously, you can learn pretty much anything you want online so I recommend everyone do so. It’s a habit I work at now but wish I would’ve started at the very beginning.
Also, as I’m getting older and things really are run more like a business now, I’m glad I enjoyed those early days but wish I would’ve just gone with the flow and enjoyed the moment a little bit more. Starting out in stand-up is an absolute blast. You’re just going from open-mic to open-mic learning how to do this amazing thing where you elicit laughter from strangers, you make friends that last a life time, and you start a journey with colleagues you never knew you needed. I’m not one of those people who looks back, I always look forward, but these days I’m a little more conventional. I keep somewhat regular office hours to spend time on editing, production, booking, events, auditions, writing, the list goes on and on. Sometimes, especially when times are tough, I think about those early days when I was just working some random temp job with no expectations and then at night hitting the comedy clubs and getting stoned and I think, “yeah, those were cool times.” So, I guess, enjoy the ride.
In regards to getting there faster, the only short-cuts I know of are either go viral and capture it or be the apple in the industry’s eye. As far as ‘less capital’, I started out as a road-comic and at one point was living in my car, I’m not sure that question applies to me, heh.
Ron , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m a comedian and writer. At the end of the day, that’s all I’ve ever had any interest in being. That has lead to many, many tour dates, podcasts, writing gigs, acting gigs, related creative projects, films, and hopefully that lists continues compiling.
The stuff I’m up to now is what I’m most proud of, which I guess is the way it should be. My first feature film, Left At Wall, is out now. We’ll be doing screenings both in the US and internationally as well as a few festivals, and then of course we’ll release it digitally on all the expected platforms. I’m excited for people to see it. I also have another short series that we’re trying to find an online home for that I’m excited to grow as well.
I started a new podcast series called 1000 w/ Ron Placone. It’s by far the most rewarding and in my opinion, best thing I’ve done in the space so far. The concept is I interview 1000 different people who have piqued my interest in some way. So, everything from other comics to filmmakers to musicians to academics to activists, you name it. Some are famous, some not so much, but they all have stories I want to amplify. As of the writing of this I’ve only published 10 episodes (I meant it when I said it’s new), but it’s already been an amazing experience. Like anything new, it’s taken a minute for people to come over to it. Some folks know me from my prior stuff and this series is a little different, but, like anything else, some existing folks will come along for the ride and new folks will hop on board, too.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
For anybody who watches Left At Wall, it will be pretty clear that it is an anti-capitalism film. There’s other themes going on too, and at the end of the day it’s a story about family, but the component is pretty clear. The series I mentioned before, which is called Frank Azurri, is a giant metaphor for climate change, mainly because we made it for a green film festival in Rome. I do believe the way things are going aren’t sustainable, and we need to transition into a new way of doing things that focuses on meeting human needs while being stewards to the earth. Eco-socialism, basically. Some view such a thing as a sacrifice which I think is not only self-defeatist but wrong, I see it as an opportunity.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Not having a boss. Being a creative has its own set of struggles mainly being the instability of it all. This year has been especially difficult for all the obvious reasons, but at the end of the day I like being able to do my thing and focus on the things I want to focus on.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ronplacone.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronplacone/?hl=en
- Facebook: facebook.com/RonPlaconeComedy
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-placone/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonPlacone
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/RonPlacone
- Other: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/1000wronplacone My podcast.
Image Credits
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