Edmonton film-maker reaches for the stars

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Television that matters. That's what it's all about for writer/producer/director Ron Scott who owns Prairie Dog Productions.

"I am so thankful to get a chance to do something that affects people's lives," explains 32-year -old Scott, a Metis born and raised in Edmonton.

"It's very rewarding to create TV that matters, to create interesting,engaging stories about people, whether they are Aboriginal or not," says Scott.

It's this attitude that has Scott making a mark on Alberta filmproductions. Last year, Scott was nominated for an Alberta Motion Picture Industry Association award in two categories: Best Director and Best Short Film for the film Consequences.

Scott got his feet wet when he moved out to Vancouver to pursue a career in acting in 1990. After bit parts on series like Booker, Wise Guy, 21 Jump Street, and roles in several pilots, Scott turned his sights to the other side of the camera.

"Being an actor is more difficult than most people realize," explains Scott, who was feeling the pull to provide for his family.

"It's a real craft, not an overnight thing. With producing you're at least somewhat in control. It's more proactive than acting where you have to wait for someone to think you've got what it takes," says Scott.

After much research, he took a one-year comprehensive program at the Vancouver School of Film which included sound, shooting, directing and producing.

After completing his program in 1993, Scott worked alongside some former classmates on a low-budget independent film. He returned home to Edmonton in 1995 where he incorporated Prairie Dog Productions.

Prairie Dog produces feature films, television specials, documentaries, promotional videos and television commercials. Scott is currently working on completing his new studio in the basement of his St. Albert home. The new studio houses his digital non-linear editing system, which was partially funded by Aboriginal Business Canada.

"There is still a lot of prejudice and stereotypes out there about Aboriginal people," says Scott, a father of four. "I've been very lucky to work on some Aboriginal-themed projects where we've shown that you can do whatever you want to do regardless of skin color or heritage."

One of those rewarding projects that Scott is currently working on is a project commissioned by Syncrude Canada. It focuses on the company's relationship with Aboriginal people in northern Alberta. Scott anticipates it will be completed by May or June.

The film and television process is a lengthy one, which, according to Scott, isn't always understood by people outside the industry.

One of Scott's higher profile projects was a one-hour television documentary based on dermatologist Dr. Don Groot's and Patricia Johnston's best-selling book, Young as You Look. It aired in prime time on CFRN-TV and a CTV affiliate in Montreal.

Scott's latest television project Race and the River aired on Edmonton's CFRN-TV, Vision TV, VTV (Vancouver), and SCN in Saskatchewan. The hour-long program focused on the relationships between fathers and sons from various cultural backgrounds, including Aboriginal.

Scott's main goal is to end up entirely in film-making. While Scott is pleased with what he has accomplished in the past few years, his philosophy is simple.

"Success is an evolution, not a destination," says Scott.