Oftentimes someone either enjoys being behind the camera or in front of camera. However, when it comes to Ross Crystal, he has done both for quite some time, and continues to do so and thrive in the broadcasting industry. Ross is the President of CrystalVision Media and the Host of Showbiz Express. He attends most every awards show, interviews some of the biggest celebrities out there, and has a coveted spot on all the major red carpets. It’s a pretty cool gig he’s got going on, but, of course, it takes hard work and long hours. With awards season upon us, I thought it would be the perfect time to interview Ross on all things showbiz, from his favorite part of his job to his favorite interview to advice he has for someone wanting to break into the industry, and much more. Keep on reading…
An Interview with Ross Crystal
You’ve been a producer, talk host, reporter, anchor, in front of the screen and behind – what’s been your favorite role in your career and why? Do you prefer in front of the camera or behind?
It depends on the project, and what I’m involved in. With ‘Showbiz Express’ both on-air and online it’s been creative in producing and airing our short form syndicated reports on a daily basis and our longer TV interviews that I really love. It’s also been an exciting challenge to build the business from the ground up. As we continue to expand, that process is proving to be a lot of fun.
Did you always know you wanted to be in this field? If not, what made you want to get into it?
I always knew I wanted a career in broadcasting. That interest started by the time I was 9 years old. It was one class trip to the NBC studios in New York, and I was hooked. By the time I was I high school I had a job as a news desk assistant and a page at one of the New York stations, WNEW. Eventually I wound up working for the same company, Metromedia/Fox, hosting a noontime talk show on their station WTTG in Washington, DC.
What is your favorite part about your job? Most rewarding? Most challenging?
My favorite part of my job is usually producing and crafting the stories we use on ‘Showbiz Express.’ The most rewarding are when I do the long form interviews for television. At that point it’s all about connecting with people and getting them to open up and be as candid as possible.
When it’s a great interview, it usually leaves a lasting impression on the interviewee, the audience, and me.
It’s also about my colleagues, the people who work and interact with me each day. They make it fun, and even more challenging.
Who is your all time favorite person to interview and why? I realize this might be challenging to pick just one!
There really are so many, and from different worlds; entertainment, business, politics, and news and science.
Interviewing stars like Sandra Bullock and Kevin Spacey come to mind. Both are so sharp and candid. They each have a lot to say, not just about their current film or show, but about themselves and the world. You start out one way and you never now where you’re going to wind up. I interviewed President-Elect Donald Trump when he was in the final season of NBC’s ‘The Apprentice.’ We had talked a couple of times before and very little about politics. This time, though, when I brought up the question about running for President, he was more subdued in his answer. It was the tone in which he responded that made me think to myself. ‘Yep, he’s running!’ Shortly thereafter, he announced.
Who have you not interviewed, but would love to and why?
There are a number of people I would love to interview that I haven’t at this point. As 2017 begins, Megyn Kelly is right up there. Her departure from Fox News Channel to NBC is a real game changer in many ways and her story as a news anchor, talk host and a woman who has broken barriers in the business, is quite compelling. And of course, that follow up interview to now President Donald Trump would be number one on the list!
What’s been your biggest ‘pinch me’ moment of your career, thus far?
It happened years ago, when I interviewed Dr. Jonas Salk on my talk show in Washington, DC. Here was the man who, in great part, helped to eradicate polio. I was in my mid twenties and talking to a man who literally helped change the world. Humble, direct and warm. And of course great conversation on how he came up with the infamous Salk vaccine.
Walk us thru a day in your life. I imagine no two are the same!
That’s true. Although, the day usually turns out to be divided into two portions, business affairs and production. The mornings are spent dealing with advertisers and affiliates of our ‘Showbiz Express’ reports as well as many other people we do business with, on-air and online. The afternoon and early evenings are primarily when the broadcasts are produced and sent out to our affiliated stations. Of course, throughout most of the day, we’re receiving pitches for stories and looking at ideas for programs and updates to our website.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to break into this industry?
Get as well rounded an education as you can and then pick one or two things that you want to do inside the business. Then, go for it. Start small, but be persistent. If you’re diligent and you’re good you’ll move up quickly. The most important thing, and you hear it often, is love what you do. That’s the bottom line, and it’s true. One more thing, network with people in your field as much as you can.
With awards season upon us, I imagine it’s a VERY busy time for you. What’s your favorite part about it all?
Indeed, the awards season is non-stop. It really kicks off with the ‘Golden Globes’ in the beginning of January and doesn’t seem to let up until the ‘Oscars’ a couple of months later. It’s kind of a cross between politics and sports and everyone has an opinion and their favorites. The best part for me besides all the red carpet stuff, are the backstage interviews. It’s a chance to get some really off the cuff and revealing remarks.
What’s next for you? Any big plans on the horizon for Showbiz Express?
We continue to build that franchise along with ‘TalkBytes’ and the others we have, and hope to have some big announcements very shortly.
What motto/quote do you always try to live by?
Work hard, keep moving forward and take one step at a time.
Thanks, Ross!
Make sure to follow Ross and Showbiz Express on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook (especially during awards season…lots of fun behind the scenes action!)
See previous interviews here.