We recently connected with Ronald Short and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ronald , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
With filmmaking, the best way to learn your craft is to just get out there and make stuff. And I know this has been something said time and time again by many creators before me, but it’s true. You have to make some things before you really understand how it works. You can read all you want, go to school for it, and sit in a classroom, but in this field, it really comes down to doing. You’ll never get a real handle for storytelling or characters or shot composition or working with actors and crew unless you’re out there making whatever can, whenever you can.
I will say, school is great for having access to gear and people who have the time to help for free. At the same time, though, it can be pretty limiting, especially if you’re making films for certain classes. You’re making a thing they want instead of what you want.
Ronald , 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 am a writer, director, actor, producer, and editor under my company Short Pictures Independent in Austin, Texas. I moved down here almost 14 years ago from Indiana to pursue my passion for film and television and have been creating ever since. Together with my Texas based crew, we’ve produced several award winning sketches, shorts, web series, and feature length motion pictures that have played all over the country.
What sets Short Pictures Independent apart is a focus on storytelling and characters. While the visual element of a film or show is obviously very important (it’s a visual medium after all), if the story isn’t solid and people don’t care about the characters, it doesn’t matter how good the thing looks. Make sure the script is where it needs to be before you even shoot and you’ll have a much better film on your hands.
I’m most proud of how we get stuff done. We don’t wait for permission and create the things that are important to us.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
I have to admit, a lot of my team started as a friend. Friends making stuff on weekends out of a desire to create. It has evolved a lot from those times, but the idea of having fun and trying to make the best thing is still at the forefront. Being a good leader is all about trust, a trust that goes both ways. As the director, the cast/crew have to trust your vision and ability to make said vision happen while the director has to trust these people to do their roles to make that vision a reality. You hire the best folks for the gig with hopes they believe in the thing as much as you do.
As far as morale, for me, it’s again about having fun. You’re making movies/shows! Have a blast! I do a lot of comedies and horror, so those sets can be a real good time. I understand a drama isn’t as inherently “fun,” but there’s ways to make it so without interrupting the process. I am very much a fan of the “no a-holes on set” rule. I have no time for jerks or egos. Get it out of here.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
In the creative world, you’re going to find a lot of folks, mostly outside of that world, who question you and what you’re doing, especially if you’re trying to pursue it full-time. A lot of questions about back-up plans and “real jobs” and blah blah blah. It can get a little tiresome early on, but honestly…the longer you work at a thing and the more successes you have, those questions melt away. It becomes more about learning what you’re working on and what’s next. The questions come from a place of admiration as opposed to a weird judgemental place, which is nice. That shift is rewarding in its own right. 
Contact Info:
- Website: www,shortpicturesindependent.com
- Instagram: ronaldtheshort
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/SPIprod
- Twitter: @SPIproductions
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RonaldShort/about