We were lucky to catch up with Tobias Daniels recently and have shared our conversation below.
Tobias, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?
Growing up, my family struggled to grasp my love of entertainment. To them, stability meant everything. It wasn’t until my name graced their TV screens that their skepticism shifted. Yet, life is ironic. Here I am, years later entrenched in the very industry I fought to join, only to find myself pigeonholed anew. Once you dip your toes in the pool of celebrity talent, you’re forever typecast as a “talent’ person. You may ask yourself. How could a ‘talent’ person also juggle the delicate dance of producing? Or writing for that matter? These very questions ignited a fire in me to seek out partnerships and opportunities that allowed me to produce and write, beyond the work I was getting as a talent producer. Pushing me to defy the constraints of convention and carve my own path in this ever-evolving landscape of “the biz”.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As a Producer, my role extends far beyond a mere title—it embodies the helm of a dynamic production company that I own. I orchestrate the intricate dance of physical production across film, television, and live events. Whether it’s a small-scale indie film or a blockbuster festival drawing crowds over 100K. My teams, ranging from a duo to a bustling staff of 300+, navigate every facet with precision. In the TV realm, my forte lies in navigating the labyrinth of celebrity talent logistics, ensuring seamless execution. Beyond logistics, I’m deeply immersed in the creative process, working closely with artists on projects from inception to distribution. As a versatile creative writer, I weave narratives that captivate and inspire.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
A creative’s ultimate resource treasure trove often lies within your peer circles. Yet, for newcomers or those venturing into uncharted territories within the industry, pinpointing these peers can be a daunting task. Networking groups serve a purpose, but the real goldmine lies in mentors or role models. Don’t hesitate to seek out mentors and pick their brains for resources; even the top dogs in your field are usually more than willing to share wisdom. The golden rule? Talk to anyone and everyone about your endeavors and requirements—it’s all about casting your net wide.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Many creatives grapple with feelings of impostor syndrome. When I encounter professionals like nurses or accountants, I often joke that they have “real” jobs. What I mean is, they directly engage with life’s tangible machinery, whereas the realm of creatives is metaphorical. While our impact on people’s thoughts may be significant, we don’t physically alter their daily lives. Our creative process and its outcomes are primarily cerebral. Creating something new is challenging, and requires time, money, and manpower. Some projects never see the light of day. The journey from idea to a tangible product whether video, video game, film, or immersive experience is challenging.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tobiasinthecan