For each day in the month of February, the African American Steering Committee will be highlighting Local 700’s African American members, both past and present, and their accomplishments. We look forward to showing the contributions and influences African Americans have had on the industry.
Name: Schuyler Williams “Scotty Bono”
What’s your job? Assistant Editor
List the credits you’re most proud of. Kevin Hart’s talk show “Hart to Heart.” My first talk show “The Quad” was my first scripted show. “Star Trek Prodigy” was my first animation. “Comic View” and “Sunday Best” – these shows really brought me into my own in the industry. “Coming Home” because it was my first major show and it was tough.
What are you working on right now? I can’t say. The show hasn’t been announced yet.
Who and what are your influences and/or mentors? My biggest influence was/is Sheila Cole. She was the head of post for B.E.T. She gave me the opportunity to work on bigger shows. I learned how to negotiate my rate under her tutelage. Kenny McClendon and Paul Ero helped me break into the scripted side of this industry. Colin Taylor keeps me grounded in the industry. I can pick up the phone and call him almost anytime for anything. Mosley helped me find the confidence to actually edit scripted.
What books are you reading, shows are you watching and/or movies you’re excited about? I’m about to start reading “Black Cake” by Charmaine Wilkerson. I loved the show and hope it gets a season 2. I’m currently watching “Raising Kanan,” “Abbott Elementary,” and love “Deadliest Catch.”
What would be your superhero name? Definitely would be Scotty Bono. Got the nickname from a cousin that passed away when I was in high school. We were close, so the name will always be near and dear to me.
What are your black history month memories and any cultural or historical impacts on your life? It was my High School hosting Maya Angelou and getting to meet her. It was like standing in the presence of royalty.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? It was from Colin Taylor. If you pay attention to his name in credits you will notice the CYA(I think we know what that stand for lol). Be responsible for yourself and your work. Be accountable. Always do your best work.
If you could time travel, when would you go and why? Not too far back. I’m really enjoying modern medicine and being free. I would have to say my freshman year of college at Ball State. I would have focused on making more connections with people who are now in the industry. There were way less bills also!
What’s a little known fact about you? What are your hidden (or not so hidden) talents? Little known fact, I love F1 racing. Team Lewis Hamilton all day. I’ve been watching F1 since my early twenties and I’m glad its becoming more main stream here. I have a life goal to try to go to a race at every track around the world.
What’s your favorite (Black) television/movie moment? “Atlanta,” the invisible car and when Dwayne breaks up Whitley’s wedding.
Was there a television show/movie that inspired you to pursue your career? When I was a kid I loved “CHIPs.” It always made me want to live in LA. I was inspired to pursue TV by this small black owned production company based in my hometown of Gary, Indiana. I got a chance to work with them and I fell in love with production.
What’s your personal/professional mantra? My personal mantra is “don’t take anything personally.” Most people in this industry don’t know you personally and are usually projecting something.
What’s the last show/movie that left you speechless? “Lovecraft Country.” I’m not big into the horror genre, but I wish that show had at least one more season.
What would be your dream project to work on? I would love to work on a project with Ava DuVernay or Issa Rae or Ryan Coogler or Quinta Brunson.
