Interview with Mr. Vincent Gonzales

Assignment #1 - Susan Johnsen
Interviewed: Vincent Gonzales: Assistant Director, Production Manager, Producer
State: Colorado

1. Can you briefly define your job to me?
-Assistant Director for movies, T.V. and commercials
-Mainly involved with logistics.
-Responsible for organizing times, crew, and makes the call sheet.
-As a 1st AD he breaks down the script, schedules shooting.
-His job is to prepare, plan, then execute. He makes sure everything gets done on time and on budget.
-An AD expects the producer to have the money they need to accomplish the job. The producer hires him to execute the schedule on budget (keeping in mind that there will be adjustments).

2. How did you get started in the business?
-He moved to LA and worked for cheap or free.
-Started from the bottom and worked his way up.
-Did not know anyone who was already in the business, but with luck and perseverance was able to become who he is now.

3. How do you tell someone over you (your boss) that you can't accomplish an assigned task?
-He usually doesn't. His job requires him to be able to arrange whatever the director wants, and get whatever needs to be done completed.

4. Do you have any advice for a media student starting out?
-Decide what you want to do and start at the top. Find enough money and hire an experienced crew.
-If you want to be a director then do nothing but direct. If you want to produce, then produce. That way you build credits and experience.
-Set goals and share them with the people you are around. Then they know how to promote you and help you.
-Ask for help when you need it.
-Try to get a resume out with director credits.
-A good attitude goes along way. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes because you will be in them for 12 -16 hours a day.

I had a wonderful interview with Mr. Gonzales. He was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and showed genuine interest.