Today we’d like to introduce you to Presley Aronson.
Hi Presley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story is still evolving as I continue to grow my career(s). The first chapter started with a penchant for the arts, whether that be a straight play, a musical, school rock band, or even singing at coffee shops around LA. I was a child actor and quickly realized I wanted to transition to a role behind the camera. Whenever I was on set when I was young, instead of hanging out by craft services, I shadowed departments, soaking in everything I could about directing, audio, camera, wardrobe, lighting, and so on. I taught myself how to use film equipment by way of YouTube tutorials and ultimately decided, at the time, directing was my number one passion. When I was 14, I formed a production company with a couple of friends that still exists to this day. At Presley Aronson Enterprise, we specialize in commercials, short and feature films, music videos, PSAs, and more. A large part of our workforce consists of the younger generation. I employ interns with a passion for the industry, no matter how young or what experience; I look for a love for film and good character.
What I want is for the interns to graduate from our program with as full of a CV as possible, with a positive attitude and outlook and a solid reputation. As I pursued the industry, now 21, I did not have one particular mentor, so part of who and where I am today centers on mentorship. At the same time, I am pursuing a career in country music, and I would like to continue with both careers, as they equally represent and define me as an artist. This past season, both the track and music video for “Background” released, which is an anti-bullying PSA, to kick off a nationwide tour in which I will speak with school students across the country about standing for kindness, Stand4kind being the nonprofit we have partnered with for this project. This being said, I started as one of many young people trying to break into the industry. I got to where I am today with an outstanding support system and a goal. Some of the things that drive me are mentorship, passion, storytelling, attention to detail, kindness, and confidence, the latter that has taken a while to build and is still developing.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a very bumpy road, but I would not want it any other way. My biggest obstacle has been the bullying, alluded to earlier. All throughout my schooling years, I endured severe bullying in both the mental and physical senses. There were so many moments when I just wanted to give up, to stay home (which is how the music video begins). However, I forged onward with the arts, which, for me and for many, is a creative outlet. Instead of letting the bullies get the upper hand, I stayed the path, continued with my work on the side, and eventually built up the courage to stand up to them. One of my favorite quotes is “if you don’t run, they can’t chase you”, which is what I share with kids nowadays for advice on how to deal with bullying when, perhaps, administration does not have your back. I always say as well that the motivation for their actions is most likely something wrong at home or some sort of insecurity; so yes, stand up for yourself, but “kill them with kindness”, another one of my favorite quotes. The idea behind the “Background” campaign is to get through to kids who are feeling alone, provide them with resources, and lift them up. What I view as my struggles along the way is also an opportunity for empowerment. So far, the message has resonated, most recently at the 2021 Rae of Hope retreat in the Coachella Valley and the 2021 Virtual Teen Summit by the LA County Alliance for Boys & Girls Club, and soon, all over the U.S. with the Stand4kind foundation. Of course, we are always looking for new partnerships and ways to expose the project to as many children as possible, so please reach out. At the same time, always looking for new interns, too, so also, please reach out.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in film and television production: directing, producing, editing, acting, etc. While I am familiar with all parts of how a set functions, I most enjoy directing for the storytelling component. However, as I said, I teach all my interns through workshops that to be successful, it is best to know how everything works, from white balancing a shot to sound mixing to handling a wardrobe malfunction. Every part holds equal weight. I am known for being a 21-year-old CEO and a country singer, but what I am most proud of is continuous: It is every time an intern graduates and moves on to another project with the experience he/she had at the company. There is nothing more gratifying than jumpstarting someone’s career, especially someone who is a good person and who wants to succeed. Since, as I mentioned, I did not have a mentor in my field, and I grew up with so many peers trying to bring me down, I live for and take pride in helping those around me build their confidence and shine. What sets me apart from others is a tough question because I like to stay humble. In the immediate, the anti-bullying campaign distinguishes me because it is not just music; it is a call to action. In the long term, I believe what will differentiate me will be the simultaneous careers because I plan to continue with film/TV and music as long as they both continue to make me happy. Another favorite quote is “if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life”, which I hold to be true.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
To me, success is a lot of different, very specific things: completing a project and satisfying a client, so much so that he/she returns for business, writing a new song with a message I love, seeing an intern graduate, helping a production manager through an obstacle on set, speaking with kids and hearing their stories, work-life balance (which I am still working on), receiving a compliment about my crew … I try to live everyday “Like Paradise”, which is the basis for one of my songs. When I am happy, fulfilled by my work, and learning something new everyday, I consider this to be a win. I like to say I am successful, yes, in the humble sense, since I am still growing and am still new to the industry, also very young. Lastly, I would say being featured by ‘Voyage LA’ is a pretty good sign, right?
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: presleyaronson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/presleya10/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Presley-Aronson-Enterprise-684200198419252/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/presleya10
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpCs47yK4dwCmybAzHTsRGw
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@presleya10?
Image Credits
Presley Aronson Enterprise
