We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tony Reames a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Tony thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Any thoughts around creating more inclusive workplaces?
Being the father of a couple of LGBTQIA kids, i think inclusivity in all forms is important. I have been working to be better at including all perspectives in storytelling as well as on set. I think the more awareness and differing viewpoints not only makes for a much more fun and positive set, but better stories and films.
Tony, 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 began making films with my father in our backyard in Western PA as a kid. The stories were silly and fantastical, but he showed me the whole process, and fostered my thrill and excitement, and it has lasted a lifetime. When I graduated in college, I moved to Atlanta, GA, before the movies came to town. I was able to work on music videos, commercials, and films locally, but it was working with Gregg Bishop on a film where I knew I wanted to do make movies forever.
Have you ever had to pivot?
In 1998, myself and three co-workers started a Dot Com. Together we grew the company to over 90 employees and raised 13 million dollars in funding. We were named “company to watch” in Atlanta. The work was very difficult and the hours were incredibly long. After almost four years, I was burnt out, and losing my mind. I knew I could no longer sustain 18-20 hour days and no vacation. I was newly married and for the sake of my mental health I had to get out. It was this life event that made me realize a very important part of life is a work life balance.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
There are many ways to achieve a return on investment with work. The one many people do not understand is one that does not bring in money. There are opportunities I have taken to work with certain creatives that will either shine a light on my work, or in some cases give me a broader exposure. This type of return is priceless. Getting the right set of eyeballs on your project can bring in more money and clients than working on a paying project that a very limited number of people ever see.
Contact Info:
- Website: MemoryWedge.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyreames/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-reames-a461291b/
- Twitter: @TonyReames
Image Credits
Vanessa Ionta Wright, SadistArtDesigns, Christopher Heady