Today we’d like to introduce you to Dania Denise

Hi Dania, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

I’ve been a professional, agency-represented actor, model, voice-over artist, emcee/host for almost 30 years. While I still have a thriving career in front of the camera, I’m also behind it as a writer, producer, director, and editor via my indie production company, Runaway Mill Productions LLC.

Growing up as an actor/model gave me the crash course in how productions of all sizes and types run. Being a natural writer and with a ton of stories living in my head since as far back as I can remember, meshing all of those creative paths into my current status as an indie filmmaker has allowed me to finally feel like I’m fulfilling my purpose.

In addition to my commitment to establishing my production company as a major player in the industry, I’m all about giving back as an acting coach. Being able to use my experience as an actor and director has given me a really fun and unique insight when coaching actors of all experience levels to break bad habits, debunk stereotypes about the acting world, and help people unlock their talent and true potential. It’s extremely rewarding to have that coaching/educational component in addition to my practical work applications with screenwriting, film, and TV production work.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

It wouldn’t say it’s always been smooth BUT the journey’s been a LOT smoother than it could have because I grew up in this industry. When people know who you are, how you operate, and what you’re capable of, that makes it much easier to break into the next level in this type of career. I have a reputation for being easy to work with, fun, punctual, and attentive to detail. All the professional groundwork I laid out over my almost 30 year on-camera career knocked down most of the challenges that cropped up from time to time.

I will say the biggest obstacle at the moment is the fact that in the grander scheme of things, I’m considered “unknown” in the industry, so I have to continue to prove myself and the talents of my team with each project I take on. Finding people — especially investors — to take that risk and bank on me has been one of the hardest things I’ve encountered so far but I keep myself focused by knowing that it only takes one person to kick that door wide open or to inspire me to build my own door, if needed. Either way, I’m confident that this type of challenge will be conquered if I continue to stay consistent and keep telling great stories.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I’m a “Jill of All Trades.” That flexibility has served me extremely well in my career. Being a creative mind who geeks out on the admin/business side of operations has proved to be a superpower. I know so many fellow creatives and artists who simply want to create and find doing contracts, business correspondence, scheduling, etc. to be absolute torture. I love it and spend hours making sure all the Ts are crossed and the Is are dotted.

I know how to handle every aspect of a film production from writing and pitching to building a team and casting talent to pre/production/post. I also have hands on experience in several crew roles, including Boom Operator, Script Supervisor, Production Assistant, Slate, and Assistant Director.

Being a people person who can manage all types of personalities through empathy and common sense, has afforded me so many positive experiences for not just myself but my team and clients as well. I have the ability to walk clients (many of whom aren’t creatives and don’t know/understand that world) through the paces and give them valuable insight into why we do what we do and what it means for their respective projects.

I get results and that’s surprisingly not common in the entertainment industry. If you’re an actor on one of my projects and you need footage for your reel, you’re going to get it — and not after chasing someone down for years, as is a common (and unfortunate) experience for many actors. If you’re trying to break into filmmaking and need experience onset, I’m going to ask you what your goals are and I’ll work to make sure you get on my sets and pair up with the person who can mentor you to get the hands on training you need. If you’re a writer or have ideas but no writing experience, I can help get your story on the page, whether as a script doctor or co-writer.

In general, I’m simply known as the person to go to when you want to get things done properly, professionally, efficiently, and in a fun way where everyone wins.

How do you think about happiness?

Working in my passion and creativity makes me happy because it’s a privilege, not a right. Sometimes I sit in my home office and reflect on what I’ve done that day, which can range from zoom meetings, writing a screenplay, sorting out storylines for projects, editing, reading scripts from other writers…these are all things I am blessed to do for a living. Or if I’m onset, I’m constantly grateful that more people are being introduced to what I bring to the table and are excited to not only promote me but to work with me. Having that kind of fulfillment on a regular basis allows me to go to bed happy and wake up with a smile.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.runawaymillproductions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runawaymillproductions
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/runawaymillproductions
• Twitter: https://x.com/runawaymill
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DaniaDenise
• Other: https://linktr.ee/DaniaDenise

Image Credits

Steadfaster Media
Vanessa Armstead Photography
Sir51508