Ron Meyer isn’t afraid to tell the truth. When he came to the Ray Stark Theatre at the USC School of Cinematic Arts as a guest of Student Industry Relations, he spoke with his typical candor and enthusiasm. He also discussed the importance of being honest, even when it hurts.

On the importance of dependability, Meyer explained, “I want the truth, all the time. Whether it’s good or bad, I always wanted the truth. I want to know that I can depend on someone, I want to know that we’ve all got each other’s backs. I always figure that wherever you’re working, whatever you’re doing, you’ve got to be in it together. I’m a great believer in teamwork.”

Each year, the School of Cinematic Arts hosts executives from around the entertainment industry. The events are open to the public, and was attended by the entire student body of SCA’s Business of Cinematic Arts program. The event was hosted and moderated by the head of Student Industry Relations and the Larry Auerbach Chair at SCA, Larry Auerbach.

“I was never the smartest guy in the room, but I was reliable,” said Meyer. “There’s no trick to making it in this business, but what made me standout was the fact that I did things that I said I was going to do. That’s how you can stand out. Be honest and do what you say you’re going to do.”

Meyer spoke to the standing-room-only crowd. When asked about his biggest mistake, he commented, “Turning down Titanic. That was really my single biggest mistake. I can laugh about it seventeen years later, but it was painful,” Meyer joked.

For more information on the Business of Cinematic Arts program, please visit: http://cinema.usc.edu/businessentertainment/index.cfm