[as originally published on voyagela.com]
Today we’d like to introduce you to Sevier Crespo.
Sevier, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started out working for Robert Townsend and then director Sam Bayer (at Ridley Scott’s RSA USA, Inc.). Once I got that taste for producing, I went on to study production at UCLA, which then led me to work on my first independent film. And from there, I just kept on applying my work ethic, kept on pushing, and worked my way up. I’ve since worked with people like David Beckham, Kendrick Lamar, Damian Lillard, Ariana Grande, and Conor McGregor — to name a few.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. There were plenty of roadblocks along the way. When I first arrived in Los Angeles, I knew no one. I had no friends or family connections, whereas others seemed to have those sorts of connections who in turn would “hook them up with gigs.” So I had to start from scratch. I just had to work hard to get what I wanted.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
People get their ideas out on paper, and then it’s my job as a producer to put it together from beginning to end. Everything from the budgeting and scheduling down to labor laws and safety regulations to make sure the entire production is done right. We need everyone on the same page to make this happen. The writer or director has a specific vision for the project, and then it’s my job to steer the ship — with a great team doing what they do best. In terms of what sets me apart or what I’m proud of, I’d say my communication skills and the ability to actually understand people. That ability and that awareness is something that I take pride in, and am always working to keep improving along the way.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I’m definitely a risk-taker. My entire life has pretty much been a risk if I think about it. I always joke that I don’t take risks because if I admitted it, I’d probably freak out. I originally hitched a ride to Los Angeles with a friend from Texas. When he ended up leaving and moving back home, I was left on my own. When you’re working in the independent film world, there are so many factors; there are so many people — practically every project comes with it a team of brand new people. So you don’t know who you’re working with. You don’t know what the personalities are like. It’s a total gypsy-like, nomadic world, which makes it a constant risk but a worthwhile one.