An award-winning creator/producer with a background in performing and journalism, Scott R. Leary started his career in front of the camera covering both news and sports, eventually moving behind the camera as a producer and director. He started his independent production career producing and working in development on a lifestyle series and a scripted series simultaneously. From these experiences he has gone on to create and produce hundreds of hours of content. From feature films to kids programming, lifestyle shows and documentary series, the work he has helped bring to the screen can be seen in over 150 countries.
When and how did you start in the media production industry?
I started at a local TV station in Dauphin, Manitoba. It was a very traditional start back then. In the newsroom covering local stories. I had always wanted to tell long form stories (documentary), but this was a start. Even today I still use some of what I learned then. Never discount time and experience. I can’t imagine how badly things would have gone, if someone handed me the keys to a documentary at that time, even though I am sure I thought I was ready.
What area of the film industry do you work in now and why?
I produce and direct, mostly documentary series. A lot of true crime, but will tell any story worth telling (hint: they are all worth telling). I am one of the lucky ones who has learned how to do everything from tax credit breakdowns, to budgeting and cost reporting, to being in the field conducting interviews, directing actors or giving notes on cuts. You will meet a lot of people who claim to be producers but more often than not it comes with a caveat.
What has been a substantial change in the industry since you started?
Oh man, so much. The old ways of financing a show, trying to do more for less all the time. The changes in broadcasting ownership In Canada. How so much more important foreign investment is to get projects to go now. There are so many more places to take shows now, but the competition is 10 fold as well. When I first started a financial structure was usually 5 lines max. Now it can be double that, and usually at least 3 of those lines are producer fed.
If you could give yourself advice today to yourself in the past, what would it be?
Listen to everyone, learn by doing and don’t be afraid to take big swings. No one is ever going to tell you to make a project bigger, only smaller. And don’t rush yourself. Years of putting in the time will make you a much more complete producer!
What advice would you give to someone starting off in the media production industry?
People will tell you to just do it; I heard it a million times when I would ask, “How do I become a documentary filmmaker?” It drove me crazy, but there is some truth to it. Go out and find someone who is willing to take a chance on you. Start at the bottom; it is the best way to learn everything. Working your way up equals invaluable experience.
Why is learning and training important?
It’s everything. The worst thing you can do is walk in somewhere and think you already know. Humble yourself, ask questions, take courses. The best part is that doing all of that will mean you are meeting people. The one thing that has never changed in this industry is relationships. Make them, keep them, use them!
What are some of the films, TV series or even books that have inspired you? How about anything new you’ve been into?
So many great titles! Where to start? Early on anything Ken Burns did blew me away. Now, F1 on Netflix just because of the technical aspects and the access. Clark on Netflix, is a comedic masterpiece! As is Bookies on HBO. Truthfully, I watch most shows now on an airplane as I travel so much.
Is there something about you or an interesting past experience that you’d like to share with your colleagues?
My life has been chasing one story or another around the world with the best crews! Asia, Europe, North and South America, I have met the most fascinating people while working with the most talented people! I once had a college instructor tell me, “the story you tell your buddies at the bar later with a beer, that’s the story you put on screen”. So with that in mind, I once locked a man in a glass coffin with 25 venomous snakes and made him get out…that was an interesting day.
Is there someone within the film industry you would like to work with and why?
Only people I want to work with more! I would list them all, but am afraid I would miss someone!
Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
Hopefully still telling stories. Everywhere I go, everyone I meet, I realize there are still so many stories to be told!
FTM is a non-for-profit charity and member of the Province of Manitoba’s Sector Council program funded through the Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources. FTM builds a highly skilled and adaptable film industry workforce to support the activities of Manitoba production companies. FTM collaborates and partners with members of the film industry to identify training needs to support workforce development.