Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1380878
38 PRODUCTION SOUND & VIDEO – Summer 2021 His career in sound began on the NBC television series Crossing Jordan, where he became friendly with the production sound team. Production Mixer Kenn Fuller and Boom Operators Thomas Payne and Jay Jayaraja expressed that Ron should explore joining Local 695 and, with their assistance, he soon became a member of the show's Sound Department. But it was Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. where Ron feels he really came into his own. "I grew up on that show personally and professionally. I did everything on that show. I was a Sound Utility, Boom Operator, Playback Operator, 2nd unit Sound Mixer, and a 1st unit Sound Mixer. We went seven seasons and became a family. Thanks to Kenn Fuller for the opportunities and for teaching me everything that I know about sound mixing and thanks to Tom Payne for teaching me everything that I know about booming. I got to learn from two of the best in 695." by James Delhauer Paying It Forward: A CONVERSATION WITH RON HAIRSTON This mentorship helped to shape Ron's philosophy of returning the kindness shown to him. "[Kenn] gave me some really good advice when he got me into the union and said that I have to pay it forward and I think that's really important." As a result, he went on to become more active within our Local and took on a mentorship position of his own. "I just like to do the work but ever since George Floyd, I just realized that I needed to be doing more. I can't just be worried about my job. I need to worry about other people as well," he commented to me. "I've only met a couple Black sound people. I think we have somewhere around two percent membership in the union. Those numbers need to change and they kind of need to change yesterday." This spurred his decision to accept the position of co-chair for the newly formed committee for Equity, Diversity and Outreach and to aid in the implementation At the heart of the labor union movement, there is a core belief that we are stronger together; that what may be impossible for one is achievable by the many. We work together for the betterment of all and when the work of others benefits us, it is our responsibility to pay it forward. Such is the philosophy of Ron Hairston, a Local 695 member with a rich history in our industry. Known for his work on NBC's Heroes, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and most recently, the BET comedy series Twenties, Ron has been a member of our union for the last fourteen years, where he serves as the co-chair of the Local's committee for Equity, Diversity and Outreach (a role he shares with member Steve Nelson) and helps organize Local 695's Black Sound and Video Alliance. I had the privilege of sitting down with Ron to discuss his storied career, the work that he does for our union, and what made him decide to become more active within the Local. Tom Payne (left boom) and Ronald Hairston (right boom) booming on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.