Meet P.J. Riley Sr. | Sound Mixer for Film and Television & Sound Engineer

We had the good fortune of connecting with P.J. Riley Sr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi P.J., what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I choose a creative career, because I love the creative process. Being apart of the film industry is such a rewarding feeling when the final cut is put together. Even though I am a Sound Engineer, piecing the puzzle of a film, podcast, or album has this awesome rewarding sensation that keeps me going.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from others, is that I am full of life and love. I am thankful for every opportunity that is presented to me. When I arrive to set, I am full of positive energy and love. I have come to learn that if you don’t love the job that you are doing, well your in the wrong place. Loving what you do means you will give it 150% of your heart and soul to the job, which then evolves into a career. Think about a Doctor or Lawyer, they never wake up complaining about their job. They love what they and are successful at it, this is what a career is all about.

I am excited for my future in the entertainment business. I am one who has strong faith in God, and the good times a head off me are gonna be magical. I have had a brief taste of this success over the summer, being apart of major projects with some of Hollywoods A list Celebrities. So just knowing that as I grow, the potential to work on box office projects gives me a since of pride.

I got where I am today professionally, by going through some trials and tribulations of life. It was not easy, there were a few dark storms that I had to over come. The biggest obstacle I overcame was my mental health, and my addiction to alcohol and prescription pills. Before my current career path in the entertainment industry I worked as a paralegal for a few companies. At one point I lost my job, which forced my family and I to live in a hotel for 5 months until a close friends family allowed us to stay with them until I got back on my feet. During this time in my life anxiety and depression took a strong hold on my life, and I being to take prescription medication as well as drink excessively. For about 5 years I was working for companies that did not make me feel valued, I begin to develop a mindset of not having a propose in life. During the Covid-19 pandemic I was able to overcome these challenges. I checked into Kaiser’s Mental Health program, and through therapy sessions, I begin to reprogram my way of thinking. Which helped me kick prescription pills and alcohol all together. Then once I understood that I was not valued at my employer I walked away, and became a full time sound mixer for the Motion Picture Industry. After taking the leap of faith, I have been a free lance sound engineer supporting my family of 4, as well as maintain sobriety for 3 years now.

The most important lessons you’ve learned along the way, is the Importance of Mental Health, and understanding the beauty in life. Even during the most difficult times of ones life, understanding that God created life to be beautiful. Even during times of war, life still holds beauty. Taking time to enjoy nature is apart of this process. I love to go to the beach and marvel at the waves, and the immense beauty of the ocean. When one has a true control of their mental health, then as a person you begin to develop a since a mental peace.

I want the world to know that my brand is different from those around me. I did not come from a perfect background, I am not a perfect person. But I appreciate life, and those choose to share it with me. Life is not for me to control, it was created for my existence, and for me to contribute my skills to society.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being born in Houston Texas, I have one friend Jennifer who has been a true friend since Middle school, if she were to visit me and my family I would take us to all the main attractions here in L.A. Like Universal Studios, Great Wolf Lodge, Hollywood, and all the different places to enjoy cultural cuisines. Living in L.A. there are so many places to visit and enjoy.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I really want to dedicate this Shoutout to Candace Larson and everyone from Moorpark Colleges Film and Television department. My journey start with you guys, and I will never forget the memories we made! Shoutout to my loving and supportive family for helping me during this dark times when I wanted to give up!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calkingempireinc/