Student Success: Ross Langill Goes From Award Winning Shorts to Blockbuster Film Crews

 

Since graduating from InFocus Film School, Ross Langill has been on a steady climb through the film industry ranks, building a career that reflects both talent and relentless dedication. From working behind the scenes on hit TV movies to landing crew roles on major productions like The Predator, Peacemaker, and The Magicians, Ross has proven that hard work and the right attitude can open serious doors.

Now, he’s gaining recognition as a filmmaker in his own right. His latest short film All That She Wants has been making waves on the festival circuit, earning multiple awards at this year’s Top Indie Film Awards including Best Short and Best Director. We caught up with Ross to talk about his journey, his advice for emerging filmmakers, and what’s next in his rising career.

 

Congratulations on all the recognition for All That She Wants! Can you tell us what the film is about and what inspired you to tell this particular story?

I think it’s a fun twist on a common story. We have all gone through a tough relationship loss, but putting it in the form of a comical softball match with some heart, and excellent acting from our wild characters, helps to have it resonate with people I think.

As well, I think the music is a big aspect. Our editor and composer added great songs and scores to help amplify the short. The climactic montage cuts really well with the signature track.

 

Did anything from your time at InFocus influence how you approached the storytelling or production process for this film?

I think trying to keep the script as tight as possible has always been drilled in since I was at InFocus. As well, trying to organize and prep a lot, so on the day we could be as efficient and as fast as possible. Knowing, that you can only do so many set ups in a day.

 

 

Your post-graduation trajectory has been incredibly inspiring. How did you build your network and gain the kind of momentum that led to working on major productions like The Predator, The Magicians and Peacemaker?

Lots of networking and taking any and all jobs. When I finished at InFocus I worked as a set decorator for two months. Then, I got hired on as a 3rd AD for an independent movie called Freaks. I was able to get that opportunity because the directors came to a Booze n Schmooze meeting at the Anzac club and were looking for people. I emailed them and they asked me to come on.

After that I went on to work on Hallmark movies as a Trailer 3rd AD. They were a fantastic training ground to learn the industry and understand how everything goes! I then reached out to a 1st AD who was actually a friend of my grandparents. Did an interview and luckily got hired as the Trainee AD on The Predator. It was a massive production. Lots of people, and moving parts. It was intimidating, but I learned so much, and met lots of people.

From there, I went back to do some more Hallmark films. And then, I reached out to join the AD team for Magicians Season 5 as the 3rd AD. They already had their 3rd AD, but offered me the TAD position. I jumped at the opportunity. Despite taking what looks like a “step down” from 3rd to Trainee, I knew it would be a bigger production with lots of opportunities to grow.

After Magicians, the 1st and 2nd AD brought me on to Resident Alien Season 1 as the Onset 3rd AD. Then, the 2nd AD from there, would eventually reach out and bring me on to Peacemaker!

Overall, working hard, being able to work with everyone, being enjoyable, networking, and keeping in contact with people helps to lead to lots of opportunities.

 

 

Were there any surreal or standout moments on set? Or fun stories?

Everything! Each show I’ve been on, I’ve had a moment of surreal realization. Actually working in film, being able to do what I had dreamed of doing is always crazy to me.

I always take a moment each show to look back at where I started. I’m truly grateful to be able to work in the film industry, and love what I do! Being on elaborate sets, being around great crews, awesome directors, explosions, all of it! Very lucky!

 

What are some key skills you picked up at InFocus Film School that helped prepare you for the real-world film industry?

I think speaking up and showing your passion. I definitely told the teachers and made it known I wanted to direct when I first got to InFocus. I learned more about the industry and got interested in ADing as route to direct as well. Letting people know what I wanted to do I think helped them direct me to what I need to do how and how I should get there. Because I got into the AD side of things, I definitely learned at InFocus to ask questions, and know 100% what is going on.

I remember Ingo Lou teaching us about call-sheets and we had to make our own. No one asked questions about it and just did what they thought. The next day he told us, ask questions. Make sure you know what’s going on and there are zero assumptions.

 

If a young filmmaker wants to work on major productions, where should they start?

Anywhere! Network! Meet people. Go be a PA. Be a Set Decorator. Be a Grip. Be a Lamp Op. Be a Props Assistant. Get in and then talk to people in the departments where you want to be. Tell people what you want to do and from my experience, people are willing to help out if you are eager and willing to learn.

 

What do you think makes someone stand out in such a competitive field?

I think it’s a multitude of varying traits. Reliable, timely, calm, trustworthy, and the biggest in my experience, positivity. Be happy to be where you are, and excited to do what you do. We’re very lucky to be able to work in film. It can definitely be stressful and tiring. And it’s easy to become negative or overwhelmed or stressed, but if you can stay calm and stay positive I think that’s what separates people.

 

What advice would you give to current or prospective film students who dream of doing what you’re doing?

I hate to be a broken record, but network!

• Go to mixers
• Talk to people
• Tell your teachers what you want to do
• Do a Run n Gun
• Join Facebook groups
• Volunteer
• Do shorts with new people
• Reach out to people
• Take the swing and talk to lots of people about what you want to do and where you want to go. You’d be surprised at how just talking with people can lead to opportunities.

 

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects you’re excited about and can share?

I’m working on an independent horror feature this summer and very excited about that. And, as always, working on my own shorts and hopefully my own feature in the near future!