Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Stone.
Hi Daniel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi my name is Daniel Stone and I’m a Filmmaker currently based in Houston, Texas. But mostly everyone just calls me by my last name. I was born and raised right in the heart of Houston, Texas. Ever since I was a child, I was never really in tune with what was going on in the world or what was trending since I didn’t really have access to the internet until around 2016. So unlike many of my fellow peers, I’m not as pop cultured as I’d like to be. While everyone was playing Call of Duty and watching YouTube, I was stuck with an old Box TV where I would watch some of my favorite shows like, Jacob Two-Two, Wild Kratts, and Ninjago.
As for how I got into Film, it was all on a whim. Nothing more than that really. Sounds boring I know. I was originally going to pursue Engineering or Computer Science, but I remember it as clear as day, it was my last semester of High School, my College advisor asked me one final time if I really wanted to major in Engineering. And in a matter of seconds I told my College advisor, “Never mind, I would like to switch my major to Filmmaking.” She definitely questioned it but I was dead set on it. Mind you, I had no bit of experience with a camera or any prior Filming experience. If you were to call me crazy for doing that, I wouldn’t blame you. I may have not been interested or passionate about Film as a kid (I am now of course), but I always loved writing my own stories and imagining different stories and characters in my head as a kid. Filmmaking has become that creative outlet for me.
Pursuing Filmmaking has been the best decision I could have ever made.
I’ve met so many new people in the Filmmaking Space. Some have come and gone, while others have stayed. I even recently reconnected with a friend from High School, who is currently also pursuing Film too. I even recently Directed a Short Film of mine called Burned Memories, which is essentially (not fully) a re-telling of my own life experiences up till now.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not once has it been a “smooth road”. I mean I’m not gonna say I’ve had it worse than others, but what I can say is that I have experienced my own struggles. For example, I’ve struggled money wise. Filmmaking is an expensive endeavor. So there have been times where I was just flat out broke. I also doubt my self a lot especially when it comes to directing my actors. I have gotten better, thankfully, by observing how some of my Director friends direct their actors and studying other well-known Directors.
There have also been times where I’ve thought of quitting Film among other things. But thankfully I had people there to cheer me up and help prop me back on my feet.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve worked on multiple projects as a Director, Screenwriter, Director of Photography, and Gaffer. However, I am known for and specialize mainly in Director of Photography and Gaffing. Though that doesn’t mean I’m not striving to specialize and excel at all four. And at some point, I wouldn’t mind stepping up as an Actor.
Most of the shorts I have directed are known for leaning more towards the Drama/Melodrama Genre. I recently Directed a Short Film I wrote called “Burned Memories.” The story follows a Troubled teen escaping a broken home who finds comfort and hope in a new group of friends only to discover it may not be enough to save her. This story takes inspiration from a lot of my own life experiences, such as Depression, Self Harm, and Suicide. I am currently in the middle of editing this Short Film.
I think what sets me apart from others is how I’m willing to share my own story through Film rather than just talking about it. Because there isn’t many people who know my struggles, so I feel the best way to “talk” about it is by sharing my story through Film. Another thing I feel that sets me apart from others is the fact that no matter the situation I’m open to receiving criticism and other peoples takes and ideas. Because as a Director, you must be open for conversation whether it’s with your Actors or Crew Members. I’m always open for suggestions and insight from my fellow peers.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itzst0ne/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@itzstonemedia
