We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dan Bartolucci a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dan, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I bought the company’s LLC a year before officially kicking off operations. After a decade at a desk, I decided to start building our brand. Then came the exciting opportunity to work as the VFX Supervisor for “NOS4A2” in Rhode Island, which meant a big move for my whole family.

But when spring 2020 hit and COVID-19 led to California’s shutdown, all my job offers disappeared. That’s when I rolled up my sleeves, reached out to my network, and, with incredible support from my wife, managed to keep the income flowing for the company.

After the chaos of Rhode Island and the uncertainties of the pandemic, I took a moment to reflect. It was all about staying adaptable and planning strategically. Now, those lessons are guiding us as we navigate the future with a smile.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

After graduating from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA, my venture into visual effects began when a childhood friend introduced me to compositing, a field in which I had minimal knowledge. Over the past fifteen years, I’ve continued to actively compositing shots, supervise shows, and direct talent for face replacements. The film and visual effects industry have grown on me, providing immensely enjoyable experiences.

I genuinely enjoy the problem solving process with clients and finding ways to push the work we do to facilitate their ambition.

As time progressed, I gained a deeper understanding of myself and identified what truly made me happy. With this self-awareness, I began setting goals and intentions for the growth of my business. Recognizing my aptitude for digital humans, I curated a remarkable team of artists dedicated to handling challenging projects. While we may not be a large team, our impact on shows and the companies that enlist our services is substantial.

This journey has been both fulfilling and rewarding, and I look forward to continued growth and success in the dynamic world of visual effects.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Resilience, for me, extends beyond navigating tough times—it’s about staying true to the dream of running my own business. Family is the heartbeat of my life, and I’ve always envisioned a balance where I could draw clear lines between work and the moments that matter most. Amidst the challenges of entrepreneurship, I owe a lot to my wife in overcoming the hurdles of work-life integration.

The priceless joy of being present for every breakfast, school event, and holiday is a testament to the boundaries I’ve set and maintained. In the midst demanding World Cup commercial last year—working until many hours past midnight, across multiple time zones—I take immense pride in not just meeting professional obligations but in cherishing every meal, story, and weekend activity with my family. This journey isn’t just about building a business; it’s about crafting a life that resonates with purpose and inspires those around me.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I’ve consistently embraced transparency in my communication style. While I appreciate the formality required in certain Zoom meetings with specific clients, my approach to team interactions has always been characterized by charisma and interactivity.

Whether collaborating with clients or colleagues, I believe in fostering an open, eye-level communication style. This not only establishes a genuine connection but also contributes to a more collaborative and engaging work environment.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bartoluccipost.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danbartolucci/
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4178095/