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

Alright, David thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

In my business, the prevailing wisdom is that to create a film, you need an abundance of both people and money. Conventional wisdom dictates an extensive list of roles and positions necessary to bring a project to fruition. However, what sets me apart is my innovative approach. I seamlessly blend multiple roles on set and take on many of them personally. This not only streamlines the production process but also significantly reduces the number of individuals required, leading to substantial budget savings.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I hail from the heart of Starkville, Mississippi, a place where film wasn’t a part of my upbringing – in fact, we didn’t even have our first television until I reached the age of 14. My journey into the film industry took an unconventional turn, stemming from my background as a music producer. Frustrated with the direction my music career was heading, I embarked on a quest for a fresh creative outlet. This quest led me to produce music videos for local artists, and from there, my path evolved to include crafting compelling local television commercials and eventually, full-fledged movies.

A curious twist of fate – I ventured into the world of feature films before even trying my hand at shorts. As a filmmaker, my greatest source of pride lies in my ability to weave captivating narratives. I thrive on sculpting intriguing characters and delivering relatable stories that resonate deeply with audiences.

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

In the vast realm of filmmaking, the knowledge to be gained is seemingly boundless. With limited resources at my disposal, I embarked on a relentless journey to master every facet of this industry. From the humble beginnings of a production assistant, I ascended the ranks to become a producer, all fueled by an insatiable hunger to craft stories that resonate.

Leaving the familiarity of Mississippi behind, I ventured to California, a place where I knew not a single soul. Undeterred, I was resolute in my determination to make my mark. However, the early years were riddled with setbacks and unfulfilled projects, casting a shadow of despair.

In a moment of profound introspection, I confronted the abyss of disappointment. It was then that I made a resolute choice: to return to my true passion—making movies, even if it meant doing it solo. As I reconnected with my authentic self, I found an unwavering spirit within me.

Since that pivotal juncture, I have been on an unstoppable journey, a testament to unyielding perseverance. My path may have been challenging, but it’s a testament to my unwavering commitment to the craft of storytelling.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goals tend to shift as I accomplish them. Currently, my focus is on achieving a wide theatrical release for one of my films. This goal drives me to create content with a more “theatrical” flair, featuring high-concept stories. However, I also strive to strike a balance by infusing these narratives with heart, strong characters, and a touch of uniqueness. This creative approach is born out of necessity, as I lack the extensive resources typically associated with filmmaking. In an interesting twist, the limitation of not having millions of dollars at my disposal actually spurs my creativity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://davidskato.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidskato/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.skato.1
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-skato-09b1a1275/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA2OTUlyPEsvflgUKv59mSw