[Behind the Selfie] with... Romy Schneigansz

Say cheese! (Can you tell Romy really hates photos?)

1. Where do you live, work and play?

Schneigansz: Live in Lonehill, work at Urban Brew Studios in Ferndale and mainly play in my garden with my daughter.

2. What's your claim to fame?

Schneigansz: My natural platinum blonde hair, my loud, no-hold-back voice and my ridiculously long, unpronounceable surname.

3. Describe your career so far.

Schneigansz: I studied a BA Journalism majoring in TV. I started as a production assistant at Urban Brew Studios on three shows - Africa Inc, Last Say on Sunday and Car Quest and went on to become production manager for Car Quest. After my maternity leave, I moved into operations and facilities for what was supposed to be three months. Four years later, I'm still in operations. I've recently taken on the position of business development manager for urbanWorx, the facilities division of Urban Brew Studios We have 8 studios, 29 edit suites, 10 final mix suites and a facility that broadcasts 8 channels, so it's very busy and rather technical.

4. Tell us a few of your favourite things.

Schneigansz: Chocolate, running and braaing with my family.

5. What do you love about your industry?

Schneigansz: It's fast-paced, forever changing and never dull.

6. What are a few pain points your industry can improve on?

Schneigansz: Client service! My mission is to provide the best client service for my facility.

7. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.

Schneigansz: I start at 06:45, just because the studios are quiet and I get to catch up on admin and emails. From about 08:30 the studios start to buzz and we hit the ground running. Nothing is average about television and every day presents its challenges, but nothing gives me a bigger high than solving issues and helping create spectacular TV. I am on my feet a lot and have a hands-on approach with my crew and clients. Basically, I am everywhere all at once, helping where I can.

8. What are the tools of your trade?

Schneigansz: Passion, commitment and thinking out the box to problem-solve on your feet.

9. Who is getting it right in your industry?

Schneigansz: Facility-wise, I don't think many are getting it right. That's what we're aiming to achieve. Television production facilities are scarce, considering the number of production houses that there are in Gauteng alone. UrbanWorx wants to support the smaller production houses by offering our unique facilities and client-focused service.

10. What are you working on right now?

Schneigansz: Multiple external hires, as well as channel broadcasting.

11. Tell us some of the buzzwords floating around in your industry at the moment, and some of the catchphrases you utter yourself.

Schneigansz: IP, VOD, OTT. I constantly remind myself that you are only as good as your last job.

12. Where and when do you have your best ideas?

Schneigansz: Late at night when I can unwind and reflect on the day.

13. What's your secret talent/party trick?

Schneigansz: I can touch my nose with my tongue.

14. What would we find if we scrolled through your phone?

Schneigansz: Pictures of my daughter, pictures of my facility and pictures of my daughter gaffer-taped to doors at my facility.

15. What advice would you give to newbies hoping to crack into the industry?

Schneigansz: You need to have huge passion and be prepared to work long hours. Get a driver's license even if you don't have a car. Don't be arrogant, the industry is small.

You can read more about Urban Brew Studios by clicking here or interact with Schneigansz through the following social media accounts:

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Skype - romy.schneigansz

*Interviewed by Leigh Andrews.