Meet Dan Ringey | 1st Assistant Director – DGA

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

Hi Dan, what matters most to you?
The most valuable principle to me is building and maintaining relationships with people. In the film and tv industry, we always hear “It’s all about who you know” That is the truth. You don’t know who is going to recommend you for a job, who is going to say “Yeah, Dan is a great 1st AD, you should hire him” So make sure everyone you work with knows you work your butt off and you’re a decent person to hang out with.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am most excited about a new movie called KNOX GOES AWAY a film in which I was the 1st Assistant Director. The movie is Directed by & Starring Michael Keaton, so collaborating with him was a dream come true.

With all of my projects I try to keep the mentality of: remember that I am doing what I love, and that I need to be proud of all of my work.

In this industry it’s so hard to maintain a “let’s have fun and get the work done” philosophy but it is possible. THat is something that I feel I do well.

I think I got where I am by working my butt off and having a fun time doing it. It was not easy, but it’s worth it. I love this industry so much. I am obsessed with movies and series, this is my religion. I love showing up to work, and I love the feeling of making art with a group of people.

It’s so easy to be jaded in this industry if you feel exploited or underappreciated, I try to stand up for my co-workers and myself. Know your value, and don’t sell yourself short.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

You will fall in love with movies all over again in that place.

I would also want you to go to Wolf Brew Coffee in Long Beach (Where I am from originally) Get the Cold Brew Palmer – thank me later.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife Chelsey, she literally has been apart of this journey with me for every single step. From the highest peaks to the lowest valleys, she’s been right there with me. I couldn’t have been more lucky to find the best person to share my life with.

There are SO MANY PEOPLE that helped lift me up in this industry. Film & TV is only possible by folks helping out others. Paying it forward is something that I truly believe in because it benefits me, and I do what I can to help others build.

My Parents were the most helpful, their support of encouraging me to pursue my dreams in this industry was massive. I was lucky to have parents who wanted me to do what I love. They also helped me with gas money when I had to work for free!

Doug Campbell, Was an amazing mentor to me when I was an inexperienced 1st AD looking for a chance. Doug helped by giving me an opportunity and had the patience to really teach me the tricks of the trade. Doug even bought me the software I needed to do my job. Years later, I paid him back, I wish I could do more.

Neil Kinsella, a 1st AD who took the time to let me ask questions and learn from them. He was one of the main reasons I wanted to be a 1st AD. He really helped me gain the confidence to do the job.

Mike Feifer – Mike gave me my first credit and gave me lots of lessons I still use to this day. He is a big supporter of mine, and I owe him lots.

Website: https://www.imdb.me/danringey

Instagram: @Danringey

Twitter: @Danringey

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Danringey