Meet Renetta Amador | Script Supervisor / Director

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

Hi Renetta, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I find work/life balance incredibly important. In the film industry often our hours average 75+ a week. that’s almost 2x more than the average non-industry individual. the burn out caused by this can be really detrimental to not only our physical health, but our mental health as well.

I have had to learn that i need the downtown, in between projects to recharge instead of going from film to film as i used to in the early days of my career. i plan more travel, and make working out a priority now.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In 2000, I was living in Austin, Texas working in the social services field as a Program Director for a youth organization, when I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue a career in the film industry. Putting all my belongings in storage, I packed whatever would fit in my car and headed for Los Angeles, CA.

It was in Los Angeles where I met Bob Gary, a Script Supervisor who had worked on such films as “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane”. “Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte”, and “The Searchers”. Bob took me under his wings and taught me everything I needed to know to begin her career in film. In 2007, after a few years working on acclaimed indie hits such as “Quinceanera” winner of the 2006 Sundance Grand Jury and Audience Award, I became a proud member of Local 871, the union for Script Supervisors. This enabled me to expand her career in film. In the years since, I’ve been able to work on many amazing projects including the Oscar nominated films “Selma”, “Marriage Story” and “Promising Young Woman.”

While I am so proud of what I accomplished as a Script Supervisor, I knew I had my own stories to tell and visions to share, so In 2019, I began making the transition into Directing. My short films “Processing” and “Gummies” have garnered awards such as Best Horror Short, Best Directing, Best Acting, Best Music, and many others. I am also now attached to direct an independent film “In the Footsteps of Monsters” that will shoot later this year, written by J.D. Lee.

I find it truly a magical how directing, allows me to breathe life into a world that the viewer can feel welcomed into and can lose themselves in. My relationship with my crew is instrumental and I pride myself in creating an environment of collaboration for the crew, allowing everyone to be proud of what they are a part of, enjoy the experience.

Thinking back through the years i’ve been in the film industry, I do not take it for granted that I have been a part of so many amazing projects. Moving to L.A with no friends, family or any knowledge of the industry was so hard. There were times when I thought about giving up and moving back to Texas. But my dad in particular, kept telling me to keep going. I am so thankful for that!! I kept putting myself out there, and kept pushing my way through. While it wasn’t an easy journey, it has thus far been my most rewarding!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love Los Angeles as if it were where I was born and raised! There are so many amazing places to see and eat! In no particular order:

Hollywood Forever Cemetery Cinespia movie screenings
Hollywood Forever Dia de los Muertos celebration
Watts Towers
Griffith Observatory
any Beach!
Academy Museum
Hollywood Bowl
the Greek
Olvera Street
Edendale Bar and Grill
El Compadre
the Mystic Museum
New Beverly Movie Theater, Vista Movie Theater, Alamo Drafthouse
The Last Bookstore
Rose Bowl Flea Market

just to name a few…..

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Bob Gary (my mentor and trainer for Script Supervising), my family (who has supported me every step of the way through my filmmaking journey, Rick Famuyiwa, an amazing director I’ve been working with for 14 years and counting, and who i consider not just a mentor, but family, and lastly to all those who have been supporting me as I transition into directing, who are far too many to name!

Website: mexecutionerproductions,.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invinciblechica/

Other: https://www.instagram.com/mexecutionerproductions/

Image Credits
Jahi Chikwendiu – black and white photo on set of birth of a nation with Nate Parker Matt Ryan. – Mexecutioner Logo Carlos Rodriguez – set photo’s from “Gummies”, short film. All other’s taken by me!