Today we’d like to introduce you to Orly Romay.
Orly, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born in Los Angeles but moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina at a very young age (where all my family is from), and then moved to Miami at the age of 13.
I grew up on a TV set since my grandfather owned a big TV station in Buenos Aires, and my dad produced period telenovelas. Whenever I could, I would love to spend my time there, watching how everything was being made.
When I graduated high school, I decided to stay in FL and go to the Art Institute of Ft Lauderdale for Fashion Design since I always had a passion for art and for creating something out of nothing. While in school, I decided to start working on my dad’s local TV station in Miami called America Teve as a wardrobe stylist for the news anchors.
Once I graduated, I moved to NY, to chase what I thought was my dream, and become a fashion designer. I got a job working as an assistant designer for a big menswear company, but one year later, I realized I missed the dynamics and the adrenaline of being on the set; a 9-6pmoffice job was not really what I wanted, and I also missed being close to my family.
I went back to working at the TV station in Miami, and I also got a job with Zumba Fitness as a wardrobe stylist, helping them with their clothing line, the video shoots and their concerts/conventions around the world.
When I completed my 10 years on the TV station, I decided I wanted to pursue new areas, so when my brother began directing films for Lifetime, I joined his team as the Production Designer, and 17 movies later I’m still working with him.
I also haven’t stopped working with Zumba, so I’ve been freelancing with them for the last 9 years, and I enjoy it very much not only because I love the company, but the people that I work with there became part of my family. Getting to meet instructors from all around the world with different cultures and such open hearts has also been very special for me.
As hard as 2020 was in many aspects, I was lucky to find and enter a new niche in the art department, which is music videos. Although it is sometimes a bit stressful because of the lack of time, it’s spectacular to see how a concept becomes a reality with all the key elements that each department provides, and it’s absolutely beautiful to see eveything come to life, and later know that the millions and millions of views mean that people all around the world are seeing and enjoying something you were part of is definitely one of the things I enjoy the most about my job. Realizing that by doing what I love, either with production design, styling or set dressing, I get to create something out of nothing and help people forget for a little bit about all their worries or problems, and enjoy being in the moment by watching either a film or a video I was part of creating, is certainly a priceless feeling.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not every project I worked on or crew member that I had to work with was easy, and many times I thought of giving up, but I know that I give my best in every single project that I do and that I have the choice of saying I don’t want to do it at any given moment since I work freelance, so that gives me peace of mind in a way. The road is not meant to be easy, so as long as I enjoy the ride, I believe the struggles are part of it.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I don’t think I can describe what I do with one word, I like to create and I can’t find a “title” that fits everything that I do. Everything I do is always different and that is why I never get bored in my job. In film, most of the time, I work as a Production Designer; which means I’m responsible for the overall aesthetic of the story. I work with a team to create the look for the film; that involves set dressing, props, costumes, hair and makeup.
When I work as a prop master or set dresser, I have to look at a concept and the space where we’ll be shooting and shop for whatever it needs to become a reality, or sometimes create special pieces that are required to make it happen.
When I do wardrobe styling, I create looks, and the job varies a lot depending on the project. Sometimes it’s about putting outfits together and making them look good for a brands photoshoot, others have to do with shopping/dressing someone according to their style or body shape, and sometimes it has to do with proposing ideas to a director according to his vision and making his vision a reality by adding elements or making them from scratch.
I believe that what sets me apart is the love I put in everything I do no matter what it is. I try to not only give my all but also to treat everyone with respect no matter who they are, and keep a smile on my face even after 12hrs on set.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My family has been a great support since they always believed in me and gave me the freedom to do and try anything I wanted, and many of them inspired me to do what I do today.
My friends have been my biggest cheerleaders, and now that my nieces are a bit older and listen to some of the artists I work with, they have also become my cheerleaders and get super excited when I get an artist to send them a video.
I have many mentors and teammates that have helped me get to where I am at today. I don’t want to mention them because I’m afraid I will forget someone, but I always like to learn something from the people I’m surrounded with. I believe everyone has something to teach and by just observing what they do or helping them out, one can get to gain a lot of knowledge that can help him or her grow in various aspects.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: orlyromay
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