By: Maria Shamkalian
PAFIA Vice-Chair

Steve Perrong is a Director/Editor for Neighborhood Film Company based in Philadelphia and Los Angeles, specializing in commercial and documentary work as well as Behind-The-Scenes and EPK content for film and television. 

1) What is your most recent success and how did you accomplish it?
The most recent project I am coming off of is Behind the Scenes content for the film “Concrete Cowboys,” written by Neighborhood Film Company owners Ricky Staub and Dan Walser and directed by Ricky. It stars Idris Elba, Jharrel Jerome, and Caleb McLaughlin. I am also currently directing BTS content for M. Night Shyamalan’s “Servant” and Jason Segel’s “Dispatches From Elsewhere.”

2) How did you get started in the film industry?
I started helping out for a television show at a local church when I was around 15 or 16. From there I went to college to study film and have continued to work in the industry ever since.

3) Why do you choose to work in PA and what do you love the most about working in Pennsylvania?
I grew up just outside of Philly so this has always been home. I’m lucky that I have been able to stay based here. I have shot in most of the states in the U.S. and in other countries and my favorite film crews are still in PA.

4) What are some of your favorite shooting locations in Pennsylvania? Anything in Philly will always look great. I think PA in general is unique because it offers a variety of landscapes and settings for shooting.

5) What do you love the most about your job?
I love that every job is different so it keeps you on your toes. It’s a great environment to continue to get better.

6) What is your most memorable, most awkward, or funniest on set story?
I think the most memorable will be working on Concrete Cowboys. It was a film that was close to all of us at Neighborhood and we couldn’t really believe it was happening. “Glass” was another film that was memorable to work on. I directed some featurettes and a lot of bonus content. 

7) Do you have any upcoming Pennsylvania-based projects?
We love being able to do work in Pennsylvania both large and small. I have some commercials coming up and hope to be in production of a documentary before the end of the year.

8) PAFIA has been working hard on increasing the film tax credit in Pennsylvania and bringing more film work to our local crew and talent, but we must all unite to really make a difference. What can you tell our elected officials about the importance of PA film industry and the difference it has made in your life?
Shooting in PA not only keeps local crew and talent who make a living in film working, it also boosts the economy - dollars spent with local merchants and hotels benefits the state as a whole. And I think any time you can see PA in a movie or show it will help drive tourism.

9) What is your advice for the aspiring actors and filmmakers? Some steps to take? Some mistakes to avoid?
You always need to be practicing your craft and remember that filmmaking is like a team sport. Be open to collaboration.

10) What are some good strategies to find more gigs?
Networking is key and always have a positive attitude.

11) What are some of the most valuable lessons that you have learned about this industry and wish you knew earlier?
Trying to maintain a good work-life balance is a must.

12) What is your favorite film shot in Pennsylvania?
I’m all about the Philly films but I might have to go with “Night of the Living Dead”

13) What is your favorite project that you worked on? 
Most recently I had so much fun on a commercial I directed for “Visit Philly”. We were all over the city for the shoot and made sure to show off the not so touristy spots of town to prove that Philly has a lot to offer.

14) What is your biggest aspiration in this industry?
I just hope that I can continue collaborating with great people while creating work that makes me happy.

15) What would be the best way for our local PA cast and crew to submit to your upcoming projects?
www.neighborhoodfilmco.com or @perrong on Instagram.