Jul 5, 2019
Documentary filmmaker Ron Davis, whose work includes Harry
and Snowman and the 2019 release Life in the
Doghouse, seeks to tell inspirational true stories that are
largely unscripted. Ron’s own journey to becoming a filmmaker might
be worth a documentary of its own.
Ron grew up riding and competing in the hunter/jumper divisions
near his home in northern New Jersey, but left the sport behind to
pursue a career in publishing in New York City. He spent 10 years
working his way up the ranks, ultimately managing global sales and
licensing for both Simon and Schuster and Sterling Publishing, a
subsidiary of Barnes and Noble.
After seeing a video celebrating a friend’s life, Ron was inspired
to create a similar piece as a gift for an equestrian he knew. A
filmmaker friend, a producer for the sitcom How I Met Your
Mother, saw the piece and recognized that Ron had an innate
talent for filmmaking. With his friend’s encouragement, Ron decided
to pursue filmmaking in his spare time.
In 2009, using his background in sales to help fundraise for the
project, Ron co-produced and co-directed his first full-length
film, Pageant. The piece debuted on television on The
Sundance Channel and played at theaters in New York City.
In 2010, Ron relocated to Wellington, Florida, to pursue
filmmaking full time. He founded Docutainment Films, which has
produced four full-length documentaries and has several upcoming
pieces in pre-production.
The FilmRise/Netflix film Harry and Snowman tells the true
story of Harry deLeyer and Snowman, a slaughter-bound horse of
unknown breeding that deLeyer purchased at the New Holland Auction
in Pennsylvania for just $80. Together, the pair wrote their own
rags-to-riches story, winning prestigious show jumping
competitions. The film premiered at the Full Frame Documentary Film
Festival in 2015 before opening to general release in September of
2016. It was a New York Times “Critic’s Pick” and won the
Audience Award for Best Documentary at both the Nantucket and
Prescott Film Festivals in 2015. Harry and Snowman
ultimately became one of 2016’s top-grossing theatrical
documentaries.
In 2018, Ron completed Life in the Doghouse, another
FilmRise/Netflix production that chronicles the work of equestrians
Danny Robertshaw and Ron Danta, who together have rescued over
11,000 abused, abandoned and starving dogs. Danny & Ron’s Rescue
finds safe homes for the rescues through their network of horse
people and attending horse shows. The film premiered on Netflix in
June 2019 and was lauded by the likes of Ellen DeGeneres, who urged
her fans and followers to see the film and support Danny & Ron’s
Rescue.
Ron will donate all the net proceeds from his film to dog charities
across the country. He is committed to producing only stories he
cares about deeply and looks to craft character-driven pieces which
inspire and warm the heart.
Topics of Discussion:
[:25] About today’s guest.
[1:43] Ron Davis’ high-level success in New York’s publishing world before he followed his dreams to become a filmmaker.
[6:06] How Ron’s first film, Pageant, served as an affirmation that he was on the right path.
[7:49] Why Ron’s cinematographer for his first film, Pageant, Clay Westervelt, ultimately decided to work with him as a first-time filmmaker.
[9:27] Ron discusses making tough decisions based on instincts, how he gets through stressful situations, and the challenges inherent in filming a documentary.
[17:50] Prior to interviewing someone on film, how does Ron help them to relax and speak naturally on-camera about their story?
[21:24] Ron reflects on HBO’s decision to not produce Harry and Snowman.
[22:42] Ron speaks about the importance of embracing hard work and trusting your instincts.
[24:22] Ron speaks about the crucial role of a director in the filmmaking process.
[28:40] What keeps Ron motivated?
[32:01] Ron shares some of his memories from creating his huge success, Harry and Snowman.
[36:05] How did Ron help Harry to open up for the film?
[40:48] What compelled Ron to create Miss You Can Do It?
[43:18] Ron discusses his perspective on pitching film projects and hearing “not now” or “no.”
[44:51] What it was like filming Life in the Doghouse and capturing some of the incredibly emotional moments.
[48:45] About next week’s episode of Because of Horses.
[50:06] How does Ron define success? What does he hope to accomplish when he looks back at his body of work later in life?
[52:50] Ron gives advice to aspiring filmmakers!
[56:17] Where to learn more about Ron, his films, and follow him online!
Know Someone Inspirational, Whose Life Has Been Forever Changed Because of Horses? Because of Horses would love to get to share their story!
To recommend someone please send an email to elise@becauseofhorses.com.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Harry and Snowman (Film, 2016)
Miss You Can Do It (Film, 2013)
EquestFile (Use coupon code: BOH10 to receive a 10% discount for two months off your subscription)
Life in the Doghouse (Film, 2018)
Next week’s episode of Because of Horses
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