We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dania Denise. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dania below.

Alright, Dania thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

The biggest advantage I had to learning filmmaking was being in front of a camera as an actor and model since the age of 15. I essentially grew up in front of the camera and on various sets. That exposure made me naturally comfortable in that world but it also piqued my curiosity to no end. I was always interested in listening to the conversations between the directors and cinematographers and other crew. I started paying attention to how they were setting up the lights and correlating that to how I was being directed.

Those little things started to help me fill in the blanks of how to be a better, more attuned actor in terms of my environment. By the time I really dove into indie filmmaking, I had 25+ years’ worth of set experience that helped influence how I like my sets run and the expectations I set for my team.

However, I do wish I would’ve had the foresight to start working behind the camera sooner. Had I started volunteering to be crew and work my way up in the earlier years of my career, I can only imagine the types of projects and connections I could have made being on bigger sets/productions and working under certain directors. It is about who you know and I sometimes wonder what doors could’ve been opened to me sooner if I’d been present during certain productions to really showcase my potential as an aspiring filmmaker.

The most essential skills I learned were managing a team efficiently and understanding who does what. As a director, I pride myself on continuing to learn and grow with the technology, jargon, and day-to-day of what my team deals with. Being able to speak their language shows them I care about what they do and allows me to set them up for success.

I don’t think I necessarily had specific obstacles that kept me from learning more. I didn’t even realize back then that filmmaking was an option for me. I’d always lived life on camera and was focused on growing that aspect of my career so it didn’t dawn on me that being a director could be part of the picture until I found myself doing it years later. At the end of the day, the timing worked out the way it was supposed to and I couldn’t be happier with the trajectory I’ve been on so far.

Dania, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

For the past 25+ years, I’ve been a professional actor, model, voice-over artist, and host/emcee. At that time, there was no social media, the internet wasn’t the behemoth it is now, and talent agencies didn’t even have websites. I got a flyer in the mail, advertising an open call, my parents took me to San Francisco with a random photo of myself I liked, I took some classes, auditioned for agencies, got signed, and started working.

In 2007, I started a blog, “Modeling 101 – A Model’s Diary,” to better educate aspiring models about what it really takes and how to get into the modeling industry without getting scammed. That led to becoming a mentor/coach for models from all over the world, with my blog becoming a popular online resource. That inspired me to maintain the coaching/mentoring aspect of my life because I believe everyone deserves a shot at their dream. From that motivation, my coaching website, DaniaDee.com was created, where I offer coaching for not just models but actors and pageant competitors (I’m a former national titleholder: Ms. USA Petite 2015!). My desire to inspire, educate, and guide others is something I will always make a priority among my other endeavors.

Fast forward to 2018, and I found myself making short films with fellow actors and filmmakers. This is where I got the opportunity to step behind the camera as a writer, producer, director, and editor. I didn’t even realize what I was doing was indie filmmaking until the team I was part of at the time decided to establish ourselves as an indie production company. After learning the ropes, I finally realized my calling was to helm my own indie production company and in April of 2021, I did just that by founding Runaway Mill Productions LLC.

I specialize in pre-production, production, and post-production services ranging from writing, directing, producing, casting, and video editing. I focus on narratives (short films, features, and series) but do offer services related to commercials, promo videos, etc. Additionally, I also provide actor demo reel services, which involve custom-written scenes, coaching sessions, a professional production team environment for filming, and quality demo reel footage, plus other perks tailored for social media.

What sets me apart as a creative/indie filmmaker is the hands-on approach I have with my clients. I’m all about helping them learn the process so they can better understand my vision and the “method to my madness.” I put together award-winning teams with extremely talented folks who I consider my film family. They’re not just there for the paycheck, they care about storytelling and love being onset with each other. That synergy absolutely showcases itself in the final work. This isn’t a hobby for me, it’s a craft that I sleep, eat, and breathe and any client or potential client who speaks with me instantly sees my passion. I know that gives them peace of mind that their project is in good, capable hands.

What I’m most proud of is the film community of go-to-professionals I have the pleasure to work with whenever a project comes down the pipeline. These are people who are not only amazing at what they do but they’re kind, genuine, hilarious, and understand the art of collaboration, problem solving, and are as enamored with the art of storytelling as I am. They “get” me and never make me feel like I’m asking too much of them. They rise to the occasion every time and for that, I’m forever grateful and will continue to bring them with me on my filmmaking journey. We’re a package deal!

The main thing I want potential clients/followers/fans to know about me and what I do is that I never do anything I don’t 150% believe in. If a project isn’t a good fit for me, it isn’t about my ego or that I think I’m better than anyone. I do have high standards but I also very much care about who I’m working with. If a client is difficult, terrible at communication, or treats me like I should cater to them because they’re paying for my services, I won’t hesitate to pass on it. Additionally, me and my team are worth every penny. I quote projects fairly and to reflect the time, value, and resources we bring to the table. My team deserves to be paid what they’re worth and while there are exceptions for passion projects, we make a living off our craft and talents. We’d never come into a person’s place of business to negotiate or low-ball what they’re charging and that same professional respect and courtesy must be applied to those within the entertainment industry as well — both in front of and behind the camera.
Oh, and if we’re not having fun during the process, something’s not right! :-)

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Absolutely! I’m currently raising funds for my first indie feature film, “You Were Just Here.” We’ve shot approximately 10 minutes of footage so far and production is paused until the rest of the budget gets raised. It’s no easy feat and this is perhaps one of the biggest challenges in my filmmaking journey so far.

Logline: Following a handwritten itinerary penned by her late father, Sam, a grief-stricken Vanessa takes a cross-country train trip with his ashes, despite grappling with a shocking discovery that he wasn’t at all who she thought he was.

I’m consistently doing outreach to film financiers, potential investors, and those in and outside of my immediate networks. It’s become part of my daily routine. I have select trusted individuals also making inquiries on my behalf.

I make sure that I know my pitch inside and out, plus the details of the investment papers I have for the film. When you’re talking about big money with investors, you must be able to answer questions related to the budget, terms, and other related territory. I also have a pitch deck website I provide, as well as a mini featurette of one of my short films that shows me and my team in action. This makes it clear for anyone who sees my materials that I can deliver quality, professional results.

So far, I’ve communicated/reached out to 200+ people (and these aren’t random people who have no experience with film). There have been a few leads and while I haven’t gotten my first solid investor yet, I believe in my project, my team, and this story. “You Were Just Here” will get made and I’m committed to seeing this through no matter what.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think there’s a misconception that creatives/artists aren’t “real” businesses. We use our talents to make a living. Just because we don’t put on suits and clock in and out of an office doesn’t mean we’re not in the business world or deal with business-related matters.

I would never go into a business establishment and try to negotiate and/or undercut their prices but we as creatives/artists have this happen to us all the time. Even a “seemingly simple” commercial costs what it does because you’re literally hiring an entire team to create something out of nothing AND make it look good so that it makes YOU look good.

Creatives/artists don’t have 9-5s, we have 24/7s. The countless hours we put into productions big and small are often not taken into account and at times not even respected and that’s extremely disheartening.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://runawaymillproductions.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runawaymillproductions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/runawaymillproductions
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniamallette/
• Twitter: https://x.com/runawaymill
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DaniaDenise
• Other: “You Were Just Here” Pitch Deck: https://www.youwerejusthere.com/Modeling/Acting Blog: https://amodelsdiary.blogspot.com/

Image Credits

Will Bucquoy Photography

Hollow Doubt Photography

Steadfaster Media