Award winning independent producer, screenwriter, and director Ron E. Scott has contributed to over 180 television episodes so far and is now in production of the fifth season of the outstanding dramatic series Blackstone, the ongoing saga of a Canadian First Nations community struggling to heal and build a happy future. A member of the Metis Nation of Alberta, Scott is a key player in the Canadian film industry and has done much to increase visibility for Canadian First Nations communities. He’s very much in demand as a speaker and has won numerous prestigious awards for his artistic achievements. Recently he took the time to answer Wanda Waterman’s questions about himself and about the fifth season of Blackstone. (See past issues of The Voice for interviews with Blackstone cast-members Justin Rain, Ashley Callingbull, and Georgina Lightning.)
What elements in your childhood and early years prepared you for a career in film?
I’ve always enjoyed the language of cinema from an early age and my challenging childhood helped me speak into different aspects.
What in particular prepared you for the creation of a television series set in a First Nations community?
My childhood and earlier adult years were filled with stories and experiences that prepared me.
What is it about your character and background that makes it possible for you to oversee and direct this kind of artistic project?
Having a strong relationship to personal experiences.
What was your most beneficial educational experience?
Going to Film School was a great experience.
Are there any books, films, or albums that have deeply influenced your development as a filmmaker?
There are many? from the classics to the modern.
What was the most mesmerizing thing about creating the fifth season of Blackstone ?
It was great to work with such an incredible cast and crew for five seasons.
Do you have any thoughts on why film can be healing? Both making it and watching it?
I feel anytime a person can relate to an experience it can have an emotional and personal impact.
What unique contributions do you think Blackstone has made to television?
I feel Blackstone has attempted to bridge the communication gap between native and nonnative people.
What did you think of Ashley-Callingbull-Burnham winning Mrs. Universe?
We are all very proud of her.
You’re in great demand as a speaker, consultant, and all-around pundit. Which aspect of your informations-sharing activities has the most significance for you?
I really enjoy the feedback from our very diverse audience. It’s been great and I look forward to hearing about Season 5.
If you had an artist’s mission statement, what would it be?
Be true to yourself, do your best to take creative risks, and try to listen to wisdom from past generations.
Wanda also writes the blog The Mindful Bard:The Care and Feeding of the Creative Self.