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

Alright, Dante thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Despite my dream is being in and making films, my personal risk for me was directing and editing my first music video. I didn’t have the knowledge like I do now compared to before. I didn’t know anything about camera settings or lighting. I knew how to edit, but didn’t know how to use effects. I was afraid because of my lack of resources and knowledge on a laptop and camera that I JUST bought but people liked my b- roll videography that I recorded off my phone. B- rolls and music videos are 2 different things. A friend of mine thought I could make a music video. And, I thought, “you know what? It’s worth a try. You won’t grow if you don’t make mistakes.” So, when I took that chance on making a music video and editing it to my best, people actually liked it. Then, the whole town damn near were calling me and asking me to do videos and record live events for them. It motivated me. I progressed and went to film school and learned so much on set. All the things I learned from film sets, I can apply the same into music videos. What motivated me to take that chance is that regrets will always hurt more than risks.

Dante, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Growing up, I’ve always loved movies. Acting was my dream career since I was 4. Spider-Man (2002) was the movie that inspired it all for me. I couldn’t get in the industry when I was young, so I put my time into taking acting classes in school and making skits on my Instagram when I was 13 to hone my acting skills. Making skits and creating content eventually inspired to want to make films. So I made my very first short film when I was 20 on my YouTube called Broken Friend to test my skills. I eventually quitted filmmaking and acting that same year due to COVID. After COVID died down, I discovered videography and that slowly got my love for filmmaking back again. In 2023, I went to Full Sail University. While in there, I decided to get back into acting. After graduating in 2024, I got into the industry and landed my first job gig was a PA for a commercial shoot a month later. Then, a week later , I landed another job as a 1st AD, then 1st AC, on another production, and the rest is history. After all the knowledge and experience I learned from productions and shoots, I put it into my videography/ photography for clients. The problems I solve for my clients is that I always come prepared and have all my equipment, regardless of budget, I always bring all of my equipment just in case. And, the thing I want people to know about me is that versatility and adaptability are extremely crucial in my art of filmmaking, videography, and acting.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One thing I had to unlearn was being a yes man. People can take advantage of you in this industry if you don’t stand up for yourself. I quickly learned in this industry that it’s ok to say no. One time, I directed my first short film with a crew and my job was overstepped as my actors were also getting directed and I didn’t say anything about it. I thought I could get in trouble or something. I didn’t know better. Then, I put my foot down and they listened. I learned fast that in this business, you HAVE to learn to say no and set boundaries. From a director standpoint, you call the shots and you own the vision and don’t let anyone take advantage of you. From an acting standpoint, if there’s something you’re not comfortable with or don’t agree with, or like, consult to the director.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I started content creating and skits when I was 13. Icarly was the show that inspired it all for me because they paved the way for content creators today where they are now. I used to have a following until I was hacked unfortunately (2.1k followers)
So, I instantly created another account fresh (currently 1.2k followers) and still have a following, and honestly a stronger following because I made stronger connections, especially in the film business. I’m connected with other fellow actors, videographers, editors, photographers, models, agencies, etc. I’m beyond blessed for that. My advice is network, network, network! In this business, you can’t afford to be quiet, awkward , or shy away, especially if you’re just starting.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dante.tube/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dante.fleming.7771/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DanteTubez

Image Credits

Jimmy Blanco
Tamela Allen
Lynette Potts
Shayne James
Manny Herrera
David Franceour
Aaron Moore
Christopher Charlestin
Tierha Renee