Rising Stars: Meet Dan Ringey of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dan Ringey

Hi Dan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story began when I was a kid and discovered my parent’s collection of VHS and Betamax movies. I must have been 9 or 10, but, I fell in love with films and watched them all the time. I started writing my own scripts and making home movies at a young age, but I really gravitated towards performing. I guess I always wanted to be the class clown.

When I got to college, I decided I was going to be an actor. I gave that a solid chance for a while until I found my real passion—working behind the camera. I wanted to direct, and whenever I did, I felt comfortable in my own skin.

The only issue was that I wasn’t a great student, and I felt the best way to learn was to get on set. So, I got a list of production companies in Los Angeles, called every one of them, and lied that I needed internship hours to graduate, hoping someone would let me come work on a “real set” and learn about movie making. One job turned into another, and it started snowballing into real work. So I quit college and moved forward doing the whole filmmaker “thing”. I kept making my own projects and advancing my directing career slowly, But I eventually began working as a 1st Assistant Director and fell in love with it. For me, it was the best way to be a part of the thing I love—getting to dabble in a little bit of everything when it comes to filmmaking.

After years of that, I joined the Directors Guild of America, and directed 3 feature films, Was a 1st AD on some really great projects, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve faced many struggles along the way, and even now, there are still challenges. Honestly, I don’t think there will ever be a time without struggles. When I first started, interning was the way to “get your foot in the door.” For years, I worked for free on weekends or a few times a week, often begging my parents for gas money. We didn’t have much, so every time they helped me out, it was a big deal.

The support of my family and friends has been the main reason I’ve been able to get to where I am today. Without their encouragement and assistance, I wouldn’t have been able to pursue my passion and achieve my goals.

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?
Sometimes I direct, sometimes I write, but I am a full-time 1st Assistant director and a proud member of the Directors Guild of America.

The 1st Assistant Director (1st AD) plays a crucial role in the production of a film or TV show. They are primarily responsible for managing the set and ensuring that everything runs smoothly and on schedule. Some of the main things I do are scheduling the project, coordinating with the crew, managing the set, enforcing and oversees safety protocols,

In essence, the 1st AD is the organizational backbone of a film set, ensuring that the director’s vision is executed efficiently and safely.

In the directors guild, I am on committees, an outreach team leader and overall, I am a very active and proud member.

Some of my credits are Ozarak, Sesame Street, High School Musical The Musical the series, Call Jane, Knox Goes Away, Miss You, Love you, Kindred, Special, Burden, The Tribes of Palos Verdes, and Nuclear Family.

What matters most to you?
Doing work that I am proud of, and having fun doing it. I want this “whole thing” to be worth it. To me, that starts with enjoying the things you do and doing it with people you enjoy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://imdb.me/danringey
• Instagram: @danringey
• Twitter: @danringey