Meditation, Paninis, and Positive Energy: Chimney’s Ron Moon on His First Six Months

As a leader, Ron Moon is a positive force to be reckoned with. From beginning each day with a mindful moment and greeting everyone in the office to ending it as a doting dad putting his baby daughter to bed, Ron appreciates the things that make life that much sweeter, including joining Chimney’s LA studio as executive producer earlier this year in March. With a rich history in filmmaking and VFX, Ron brings his cross-discipline expertise to his role at Chimney, especially the ability to forecast solutions for problems before they even happen. In this interview, Ron shares his keys to a successful day, what’s inspiring him at the moment, making a three-minute version of Blade Runner in just one month, and the worst advice he’s ever received… 

Q> How have your first six months been with Chimney? Settled in well?

I’m settling in beautifully! I have to be honest, this company makes it really easy to feel comfortable. Given the company culture at hand, everyone was so supportive and engaging, they truly greeted me with open arms. I was approached by Chimney while still at another job, but the timing couldn't have been better. I was already on the hunt for my next venture and even considered opening up my own studio, but when the opportunity to run Chimney's LA studio arose I quickly realised it was the best of both worlds handed to me on a silver platter. 

I've never been a big fan of the corporate culture. I like boutique shops, creative-driven studios, and the ability to call up the boss whenever I want and spitball ideas back and forth. Chimney is a large company that is independently artist-owned and operated - it's how I believe creative studios should be. Without any shareholders we need to answer to, we have the rare ability to do what everyone in this industry craves: the option to say "NO" to jobs that don't excite us! It truly is a perfect situation. 

Q> How does your VFX background complement your role as EP?

I’ve always been of the mindset that the most complete understanding of this industry comes from Post. You have a bird's eye view of the entire process from inception through to completion. The bulk of our job, even in VFX, is to find solutions to problems. So as an EP I draw upon my past experience to give me a keen sense of red flags or roadblocks that can be avoided at the start of a job.

Q> What’s the project you’re most proud of this year? 

We just wrapped a very large scale VFX project for the rapper Lil Was X’s latest music video, “PANINI”. I’m still shocked at the amount of work, and the premium level of artistry we were able to accomplish in such a short period. We basically made a three-minute version of Blade Runner in one month! Every single shot in that video was a VFX shot. I’ve watched it over and over again, it’s so satisfying to make pretty pictures.

Q> What does your typical workday look like?

I find it crucial to start my day with mindful meditation. It’s a ‘must’ in order to keep a cool and collected head. I also think it’s incredibly important to do the rounds in the office and greet everyone, see how they’re doing, and try to connect on a personal level. After that, I have morning kickoff meetings with my producers to see where we’re at with the slate of current or potential jobs, general office housecleaning, and then set a task sheet for the day. 

Throughout the day I have a fair amount of meetings and conference calls; it took me a while to learn how to schedule meetings in my day in order for me to be most effective. I try to spend my lunches with current or potential clients in order to obtain client retention or drum up new business. Business development is something you need to constantly be chasing, especially in this industry, you can’t rest on your laurels or jobs will pass you by. 

If I find myself with nothing to do, then something is seriously wrong as there is ALWAYS something to do. But it’s very important to take mini-breaks throughout the day and regroup or just have some alone time. Take a walk, read an article, doodle. And my goal at the end of every day is to make it home in time to give my baby daughter a bath and put her to bed. 

Q> Do you have a standout piece of work that’s caught your eye recently? 

Like the rest of the world, I was obsessed with Apple’s “Welcome Home” by Spike Jonze. I love being jealous of other people’s work because that simply means the bar has been raised. If we’re not constantly chasing greatness our world will become pretty stale pretty fast.  

Q> What’s inspiring you in the industry at the moment? 

I LOVE the social awareness going on in advertising now. It’s so long overdue. I’m a huge fan of Free The Bid and very inspired by the growing voice of female storytellers. We’re in a really special time in our culture and it’s such a pleasure to open our eyes and soak it all in!

Q> And, what outside the industry excites you? 

Golf. Lots and lots of golf. 

Q> What’s the best and worst pieces of advice you’ve ever received? 

Best: don’t ever stress over things that are out of your control. Worst: smoke this, it will open your mind.

Q> What are you most looking forward to achieving as Chimney LA’s executive producer? 

I’m finally in a position to create the type of working environment that I’ve always wanted to be in: positive, fun, and engaging. I’m excited with the creative team I’ve built here and can’t wait to show the world what we’re capable of…or at least have fun trying.