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: LaRonda Morris
What’s your job? Television Editor
I began my career in news in Atlanta, GA, and eventually moved to Los Angeles. Working at a fast pace and being able to make decisions quickly – skills I developed in news editing in Atlanta – transferred perfectly when I moved into TV production editing in L.A. Thus far my career has been focused on reality TV and documentaries. These genres are the perfect storm of subject matter, storytelling and music. While all the ingredients are basically the same for whatever you watch – interviews, footage, stills and music – the process of bringing it all together differs greatly. A Television Editor’s job is to understand the overall intention of the show or series and craft a story that keeps the viewer engaged and wanting more. I liken it to a 10,000-piece puzzle where all the pieces have to fit together perfectly in order to have a beautifully finished product.
List the credits you’re most proud of.
“Road Rules” Season 1 (Bunim/Murray Productions). The amount of footage was enormous so organization was key. Back then we digitized our own footage so we knew exactly what we were working with and how it could be paired with the interviews. It was one of the first reality shows and gave me a new foundation on which to build and raise my storytelling skills to new levels.
“Project Runway” (Magical Elves). This was a different type of competition show based on fashion, skill, creativity and speed. It was a lesson in showing how garments were made from conception to product while intertwining the backstory of the contestants, their relationships on the show and their quest to win the grand prize!
“Surviving R. Kelly” (Bunim/Murray Productions). This show was such a difficult but important story to tell. It was crucial to give the victims a platform and space to tell their story while contextualizing who Robert Kelly was and how he came to be. There was no heavy handed editing; we let moments breathe so the viewer could feel what the interviewees were saying and understand their pain.
What are you working on right now? I am returning to “Project Runway” for Season 20 this year. I’m very excited to dive into the footage, see the cast and the designs they make and to create TV magic!
Who and what are your influences and/or mentors? My high school counselor Mr. Brekenridge encouraged me to live up to my potential and inspired me to attend Spelman College. Mrs. Dobbs, my African American Literature instructor at Spelman, introduced me to a plethora of Black authors. But my biggest influence was Monica Kaufman Pearson, who taught me about news, storytelling, navigating the politics of a newsroom and the art of collaborating with people.
What would be your superhero name? My superhero name would be LionStar. First I’m a Leo (the Lion) and I have many of the traits of the sign – I’m loyal, confident, and compassionate and protective. And the word Star because it’s bright and always shines. When I started in this business it was male-dominated and I had to believe in myself against the odds. Many times I was the only woman in the room and the only person of color so I had to speak up. Hence, LionStar!!!
What are your black history month memories and any cultural or historical impacts on your life? I think the biggest cultural impact for me was going to the first Obama Inauguration in 2008 with my daughter. My family was deeply involved in politics and as a young girl I accompanied my mother to two different National Conventions. Early on I understood the importance of voting, and the sacrifices made in order to have the right to vote.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? My mom built confidence in me that let me know nothing was out of my reach, while my father always let me know that I am enough! I grew up with 6 brothers who lived to tease me…he used to tell me “you’d better stop crying and develop a thick skin or else you’ll be crying all your life! People will try you and what other people think of you is none of your business, you know who you are and that is enough.”
What’s your favorite (Black) television/movie moment? I think my favorite movie moment is the slam poetry scene from “Love Jones.” It was Black love depicted through the melody of spoken word, a beautiful love story told through flawed friendships and relationships. Being a proud product of an HBCU, I felt seen and validated on every level.
What’s your personal/professional mantra? My personal mantra: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” No matter the situation, tomorrow is a new day. Professionally I believe, speak in the positive, put in the hard work and what is for you will come to fruition.
Was there a television show/movie that inspired you to pursue your career? It was going to see Monica Kaufman (a TV news anchor), speak at Georgia State. She spoke about how everyone wants to be in front of the camera but there were far more jobs behind the camera and began to list them. When she got to the editor it sounded very interesting. I took my communication classes at Clark College, and I asked my professor about editing; I haven’t looked back since.
What would be your dream project to work on? I love sports, especially football so it would be a dream to work on “Hard Knocks.” Or a documentary series like “The Last Dance” with Michael Jordan. Also it would be a joy to work on a high caliber scripted TV series.
Great piece and inspiration by Sister Morris. May you have continued success on the journey for creative excellence!
Monica was more of a teacher than I knew. I had no idea what to do with the first big story to fall in my lap. I went to Monica and asked her how I should proceed. She said shot sheet all the tapes then start your package with the most dramatic sound or video you have then go back to the beginning and tell the story in the order that it happened. I wrote my first package that way and for each of the next 31 years I was a reporter for WSB-TV.
Great Article, my favorite was surviving R Kelly. This was such an important work for women all over the world.