We were lucky to catch up with Danny De Lillo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Danny , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

How did you learn to do what you do?
I believe working in the creative field is an ongoing journey of discovery. For me, it started with curiosity and the willingness to learn from those who were already doing what I aspired to do. I sought out mentors, asked questions, and paid close attention to their processes. But it wasn’t just about watching—I jumped in. I took on projects that scared me, trusted my gut, and made mistakes along the way. That hands-on experience shaped me. For example, when I produced my first set of interviews, I didn’t wait to feel “ready.” I learned by doing, and the lessons stuck.

Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?
I would have leaned into being brave sooner. It’s easy to hesitate out of fear—fear of rejection, failure, or not being good enough. If I could go back, I’d tell myself: “Don’t overthink it. Do the thing. Even if it’s not perfect, it’s progress.” I also would have asked for more feedback earlier. There’s power in letting others reflect back to you what you’re doing well and where you can grow. It took time for me to learn that vulnerability is a strength in creativity.

What skills do you think were most essential?
Empathy and adaptability are at the heart of being a creative. Understanding people—their stories, emotions, and needs—is where inspiration thrives. Equally important is the ability to adapt because creativity isn’t linear. Things change, and being flexible allows you to find solutions when challenges arise. For example, when a film set I managed faced last-minute location issues, it wasn’t my technical skills that saved the day—it was staying calm, listening to my team, and finding a creative compromise.

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
The biggest obstacle was self-doubt. That little voice that says, “What if you’re not enough?” It can be paralyzing. Another hurdle was access—early on, I didn’t always have the resources or network to open doors. Over time, I realized the key was building connections by being kind and collaborative. The more you give, the more opportunities find their way to you.

Final Thoughts
If you’re pursuing a creative path, remember: be brave, but also be kind. Take time to pause, reflect, and ensure your actions align with your values. We’re all in this together, so lift others as you climb. Creativity flourishes in community, and the more you give, the more it will come back to you.

Danny , 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?

As a young person, the stage became my sanctuary. I felt more confident performing as someone else than I did just being myself. Through acting, I discovered the power of stories—stepping into the lives of other characters allowed me to explore different perspectives, connect with others, and work collaboratively with incredible talent. That passion for storytelling led me to The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, where my journey as a British artist in the United States truly began.

Coming from a humble background, I paved my path in the entertainment industry with grit, determination, and an unwavering desire to bring joy to others. Moving to Los Angeles, I joined the BAFTA Newcomer Program and worked with BAFTA’s Outreach Committee, partnering with children and families to inspire creativity. I also discovered a deep love for interviewing—connecting with people and helping them share their stories in an authentic way. Over the years, I’ve hosted and conducted over 5,000 interviews with filmmakers from all over the world, celebrating their voices through my work with the prestigious NewFilmmakers Los Angeles, where I now serve as a board member and then board chair.

My proudest moments have always been about impact—whether it’s seeing a filmmaker light up when I help them feel seen and celebrated or hearing someone say I made them feel special during an interview. That’s what drives me: creating meaningful connections and making people feel supported, valued, and understood.

Those values are also the foundation of my company, Sweet Humans, which is launching soon. The idea was born when people began asking me for help developing their stories and projects. I realized there was a need for a space where creatives could feel safe, inspired, and uplifted—a true family of storytellers. At Sweet Humans, we aim to provide mentorship, brand development, and a platform for media projects that celebrate authentic voices and global perspectives.

I’m proud of the life I’ve built and the work I’ve done, from receiving recognition from the city of Los Angeles for my contributions to entertainment to supporting filmmakers and creatives worldwide. But above all, I’m most proud of the connections I’ve made and the lives I’ve touched.

If there’s one thing I’d love for people to know about me and my work, it’s this: kindness and authenticity are at the core of everything I do. In an industry that can feel overwhelming, I strive to create spaces where people can be their best, truest selves. That’s what Sweet Humans is all about—celebrating the magic of creativity and humanity together.

You can connect with me at @dannydelillo on Instagram or visit us at www.sweethumans.com. Let’s create something beautiful together.

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

Resilience is one of the most essential qualities you need in this career. The work itself—creating, collaborating, producing—can be challenging, but that’s the easy part. The real test comes in how you rise after life knocks you down. From navigating relationships to experiencing homelessness, financial struggles, rejection, and the countless hardships that come with this path, resilience is what carries you through as a creative person.

The moment I’ve felt most resilient is now. Today, I stand in my truth, leading by example and confronting those who have abused their power—something that is never easy, especially for someone who’s been on the receiving end of that abuse. It requires strength, courage, and unwavering resolve.

What keeps me standing today, despite all the obstacles I’ve faced in this industry and in life, is the knowledge that I have never given up or given in to forces trying to diminish my voice. I credit my Mum for instilling that strength in me—her unwavering support and belief in me have been my foundation.

To anyone reading this: resilience doesn’t mean the journey will be easy, but it does mean you can get through it. Hold tight to your truth, your values, and your purpose. No matter how many no’s you hear or how tough life gets, remember that each challenge shapes the creative and person you’re becoming. Keep going. Your story, your voice, and your vision matter.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The people. There is nothing more fulfilling than knowing that your heart and work can leave a lasting impact on others. As creatives, we have the privilege of connecting with people—sometimes those we may never meet—through the stories we tell, the art we create, and the emotions we share.

I always tell filmmakers: You’re not just creating for yourself or those closest to you. You’re creating for someone out there who might need your art in a way you could never imagine. You never know how your work might touch someone’s heart, inspire them to see the world differently, or even change the course of their life.

That is the beauty and responsibility of being an artist. We have the power to offer hope, reflection, and understanding in ways that words alone cannot. It’s not about the accolades or recognition; it’s about that quiet, immeasurable ripple effect your art can have on the world.

So, whether it’s one person or a million, create with love and intention. Do it for the ones who need your voice and your vision to feel seen, heard, or inspired. That connection—that unseen but deeply felt bond—is the most rewarding part of what we do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.sweethumans.com
• Instagram: @dannydelillo
• Linkedin: @dannydelillo
• Twitter: @dannydelillo
• Other: Just Joined Blue Sky @dannydelillo