Renee Confair has spent her career working in the world of movies and production in the islands. Her most rewarding projects involve making a difference in the perspective and concepts of shows that write storylines about Hawai‘i. After working with a range of productions from Hollywood blockbusters to small indies to game shows and commercials, Renee is producing a new story, and this time she has the lead role as an entrepreneur.
How does one become a producer?
Someone once gave me a great piece of advice, and that was to start working in your field right away. So, I started at public TV in college making minimum wage. I made my way through the ranks and that helped me to build a proper foundation.
That said, there are different types of producers, such as the executive producer who provides the money. Usually, the executive producer is a studio or someone very experienced that manages other producers. There is also the Line producer who controls the overall production’s day-to-day operations as the “boots on the ground.”
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a Producer?
Everything revolves around staying on budget, making the show happen in the time allotted, plus getting a great cast and putting together a production that will be a success. There are many balls to juggle to make it all work.
What is your most memorable movie project?
Without a doubt, it was Descendants with George Clooney because the director, Alexander Payne, worked in a world that called for authenticity and realism. If the characters lived in Nu‘uanu, then we’d find a house in Nu‘uanu and shoot in the rain instead of cheating on a house in a sunnier, more convenient section of the island. Clooney played basketball with the crew at lunch, and during prep, we unwound with movie nights together at the director’s home. It was a beautiful way to work and an unforgettable experience.
How did you go from the Film Industry to creating a card game?
Amos Kotomori, an art director who worked for decades in the film industry, inspired me. One day, he woke up and said, “I’m going to build a bed and breakfast in Bali.” That was out of nowhere, and he turned around and did it. Then,he came back to Hawai‘i and designed a clothing line for Neiman Marcus after conquering stage 4 colon cancer. He gave me the hope that anything is possible.
For the last 8 years, I wanted to invent something. I believe if you can envision it, it can happen. In June 2017, I woke up and said, “I’m creating a card game.” Two years later, getCrewd Party Game launched and it has truly been a dream come true.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in launching getCrewd?
I’m a social media idiot and had to get up to speed. Plus, part of me takes issue with the shameless self-promotion of it all. I didn’t realize I would have to put myself out there.
How does it feel to go from multi-million dollar budgets to being an entrepreneur?
It’s not as much fun spending your own money. Running my own startup reminds me of producing a documentary—sometimes the most worthwhile project has very little money.
Name your most memorable behind the scenes moments.
1) Flying to Ni‘ihau with Bruce Robinson in his helicopter to scout the island.
2) Sitting in a van with Jennifer Lawrence and her parents during Hunger Games: Catching Fire and realizing through conversation how down-to-earth they are.
3) Being on a small pontoon boat at Kualoa Ranch at sunrise with Janet Jackson.
4) Going to the Producers Awards in L.A. and standing in the restroom
line with Angelina Jolie behind
me. She liked my shawl,
by the way.
