We recently connected with Dane Bruhahn and have shared our conversation below.
Dane, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The most meaningful project that I’ve worked on is my first feature documentary titled Changing Faces in which I am Co-Director and Co Producer. Changing Faces is a documentary that tells the story of Colorado clemency recipient Sean J. Marshall. Sean who after receiving a virtual life of 45-years for armed robbery, was granted clemency 14 years into his sentence.The film delves into reverberating effects of choices, as it was a series of small choices that ultimately led Sean down the path of armed robbery. And then inversely, how beginning with small choices Sean became a man of renowned character and a leader in the Colorado department of corrections and put himself in a position to receive clemency. Presented through the firsthand account of someone who has experienced it, this film advocates for change and educates the audience on issues within today’s criminal justice system.
Sean’s path intersected with mine in 2022 when I was a senior at Pepperdine University. Angela Smith who was a professor of mine and family friend of Sean’s introduced me to Sean while he was still incarcerated. This introduction marked the beginning of a 9-month dialogue and collaboration between Sean and myself which culminated in plans for a feature documentary, “Changing Faces,” chronicling Sean’s story from incarceration to reintegration.
At 23 years old, I find myself at the same age Sean was when arrested and sentenced to 44 years. I see a great significance to this connection. Despite differing backgrounds, I feel a bond with Sean and his story. Recollecting not-so-distant moments, I like Sean at my age, underwent fatherlessness, internal identity conflict (changing faces), the process of understanding what it means to grow up and take responsibility for one’s choices, eliminating behaviors that harm oneself and those close, and ultimately aspiring to live for more than oneself, albeit uncertain on how to navigate that path. As the filmmaker present from the inception of “Changing Faces,” I aspire to fulfill Sean’s hope of inspiring the next generation, of which I am a part of, to think bigger and comprehend the power of choices.
This project has also been very meaningful to me because of the collaboration with my Co-Director, Co Producer and mentor Mark Jacobs. Getting to work alongside an industry veteran like Mark has been such an enriching experience and greatly elevated the film to new heights. I’m extremely grateful for the common ground we share, including our faith in God, the desire to push each other creatively and a commitment to continually examine the film’s creation from new perspectives. Our film is currently in post production and we can’t wait for people to see this incredible story.
Dane, 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?
I’m a young filmmaker and photographer living and working in Santa Monica, California. Throughout my childhood and teenage years I was the documentarian of my friend groups and sports teams, filming all of our surfing, fishing, cliff jumping adventures and pre-game rituals. From an early age, I’ve always viewed life as a series of opportunities for adventure and significance and I wanted my videos and photos to reflect that. I believe being a photographer/videographer is the best job in the world because I get to witness moments and see stories unfold in real time that I otherwise wouldn’t have ever been a part of. In that way my work brings significance and adventure to my life which I’m so grateful for.
Whenever I’m on a shoot I believe I’ve done a good job if I go unnoticed. It’s my goal that, from my demeanor and technical skills, I allow the subject to be themselves and not be conscious that there’s a camera present. It’s when I become one with my environment that true life can be captured. This process takes many forms, from a bride and groom with no on-camera experience to working with professional actors and performers.
Versatility is important to me because I have learned that the more well-rounded a person is in their skill sets the more ready they are to make the most of any opportunity that comes their way. I think that is one of my strengths while working with various clients on photo and video projects. Figuring out how to make the most of any project with the resources we have and preparing in a way that allows you to be flexible and creative on the day.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Two core values that have led me to success are a relaxed dependability and a willingness to try out new ideas even if they are out of my comfort zone.
If you can’t depend on the person you are doing business with you aren’t going to have an enjoyable experience working with that person or organization. Meeting deliverables is essential but it’s also equally important how you meet them. Staying true to my southern California surf culture roots I strive to create a relaxed atmosphere in all collaborative environments I find myself in. I want to alleviate as much stress from my clients as possible.
Being open minded is crucial when working in a creative field because that is how growth happens. I’m always looking for ways to personalize my style and work to fit the goals of my clients. Eliminating limiting beliefs, setting aside tired formulas, and trying new techniques creates an environment where the best ideas win and the highest quality product is achieved.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I’ve learned that resilience can take multiple forms. There are moments in our life that call for great doses of resilience and other times it may be more effective to administer resilience into your life on a weekly, daily or even hourly basis. Two months after I began my freshman year of college, at the age of 18, my father suddenly passed away. I knew losing a father figure at this point in my life left me vulnerable to falling into patterns of bad decision making which in turn could lead to any number of dark places. Every week I focused on making choices that would keep me moving forward and learned to ask for help when I needed it. While I still make mistakes, four years later I’m very thankful to both God and to my younger self for all that he did to get me to where I am today. This philosophy I adopted is very interconnected to many of the stories that I was most honored and proud to be a part of telling. Since my father’s passing I’ve worked on documentary projects that include a daughter choosing to forgive her abusive mother, a Native American boarding school choosing effective ways to educate in the presence of trauma, a paralyzed surfer choosing to defy his limitations and take others with him and ultimately with my film, Changing Faces, detailed above.
Contact Info:
- Website: daretodane.com
- Instagram: daretodane