Meet Arie Sharony | Film & TV producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Arie Sharony and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Arie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Fresh out of film school I was bursting with creativity and ambition. But I quickly realized that the traditional route of climbing the ladder in the film industry wasn’t for me. I didn’t want to spend years working my way up, hoping for a chance to tell my own stories.

So, I took a leap of faith and started my own production company On The Rocks Films. It wasn’t an easy decision. There were plenty of risks involved – financial uncertainty, the pressure of building a brand from scratch, and the fear of failure looming over me. But I knew deep down that if I didn’t at least try, I’d regret it for the rest of my life.

Starting my own business along with my partners allowed us to take control of our creative vision. We wanted to make films that mattered, that had something to say, and I didn’t want to compromise on that. Sure, there were challenges along the way – securing funding, finding the right team, navigating the industry – but every obstacle only fueled our determination.

Now, five years later, looking back at what we’ve accomplished, I know we’ve made the right choice. producing films that we are truly proud of, films that have made an impact, and we’ve built a company that reflects our values and passions. And while the journey is far from over, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Starting On The Rocks Films was the best decision I ever made.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At On The Rocks Films, we’re not just another production company. We’ve set out to be something special, a platform for voices that often go unheard. Since day one, one of our mission has been clear: produce one unique short films each year, collaborating with first-time directors to help them craft their own distinctive stories. But it’s not just about making films; it’s about making an impact.

We’re passionate about telling stories that matter, stories that can change perceptions and leave a lasting impression on the world. Currently, we’re deeply involved in a project centered around the Holocaust, based on a survivor’s untold tale. It’s challenging work, and most of our projects require long-term commitment and investment in the future.

We’ve come to understand that great things are seldom achieved alone. Collaboration is key. As my mentor once wisely said, it’s better to have a slice of a big pie than no pie at all. That’s been our mantra from the start – opening doors, fostering partnerships, and growing together with other creatives. Because together, we believe we can make a real difference in the film industry and beyond.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were to visit me in LA there are a couple hidden gems I would show them. First we would start off going on a hike in Pasadena seeing the beautiful greenery and waterfalls, coming down from the hike we would stop by Amara Cafe for some amazing Venezuelan food. For some amazing drinks and always a good time I would take them to bar 4100 for a chill night of playing pool and drinks. On day two we would start the day early by going to Courage Bagels and getting the lox bagels that are to die for. Then we would go to Santa Monica beach to play some beach volleyball and get a nice tan, after a long day at the beach we can end up at We Spa to chill and decompress for a few hours before going out and bar hopping around Silver lake.
Day three would be a much more chill day were we hang out at the Smorgasburg LA and eat our body weight in food and going to the Chinese theater to see the latest film.
This would be my ideal weekend to show my friend around all the places that I usually hangout at and to see what LA life is really about.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s a bunch of people who’ve really left their mark on my journey, but if I had to narrow it down to the main two players, it’d have to be Andres Bermudez, an amazing DOP, and also a close friend and mentor. He’s been there since the get-go, back when I was starting as a PA on sets, showing me the ins and outs of lighting setups and the whole vibe of being on set.

Next up, gotta give a shoutout to my old man Jean Sharony, also my partner at On The Rocks Films. He’s not just my dad, but he’s also been my rock outside of work, always reminding me about what truly matters. Plus, as a business partner, he’s had my back through all my wild ideas.

Honestly, without these two in my corner, I don’t think I’d be where I am today. They’ve been my support system through the highs and lows, pushing me to keep pushing, no matter what life throws my way.

Website: WhiskyContent.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arie.sharony/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arie-sharony/