I recently did an interview with filmmaker Ron Dawson for his show “Crossing the 180”. We talked about all sorts of stuff related to our profession in general and I was thoroughly enjoying it. Also feeling honored that he has me on his show as the first foreign filmmaker (that is, outside the United States).

Check out the entire 70-minute interview on his blog by clicking here.

Alternatively, get the MP3 here or subscribe to his “Crossing the 180” podcast on iTunes via this link.

Here’s Ron’s introduction text from the blog post:

Today I start a mini-series on foreign filmmakers (i.e. filmmakers working outside the U.S.) When it comes to the  world of filmmaking, the beautiful country of Austria has given us a wonderful artist. No, I’m not talking about the ex-Govenator of California. Of couse, I’m talking about none other than Mr. Nino Leitner. The son of creative artists (his parents owned an ad agency), he grew up with a love and appreciation for the arts. He realized early that filmmaking was the direction he wanted, and after graduating from high school in 2001 (ugh, I feel old) he pursued the craft in college. Right out of college he started freelancing and since then he’s been a filmmaker for hire. Then about a year or so ago he got the opportunity to do the first online review of Canon’s T2i/550D.The video he made was picked up by Engadget, and his blog became an instant hit. Since then his blog has become a wonderful resource for gear reviews and filmmaking inspiration. And Nino’s star has risen tremendously (he has about 20,000 Twitter followers.)

In this engaging interview, we cover everything from how he works with his clients (you’ll love my Brady Bunch flashback), how we quotes a job, how he picks his equipment (he’s shot with everything from a T2i to the RED One), his views on sponsorship, gear-lust, what inspires him as a filmmaker, how he got where he is today, and of course he chimes in on my “Inception” question. (Hear why that movie was so annoying to him. Here’s a link to the College Humor video he referenced). I could’ve talked with Nino forever. The time will fly as you listen to this great interview.

Bumper music for this show is “Tater City” by Glenn Shambroom, part of the TRUE ROMANCE collection, courtesy of Triple Scoop Music.

By the way, check out Ron’s video “My thoughts on success” further down on his “About” page. I think he absolutely nails it. We are all so lucky and should never forget that.