Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Perez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I can certainly try. It starts with The Lord of the Rings, the best trilogy ever created. My pops played the first film on some random night for my brother and I. Though I did not quite understand it then, that’s when I knew I fell into deep love with the world of film.
Fast forward post-high school graduation, I thought I was going to study Kinesiology… with a split minor between Psychology and Biology. Ha. Ha. Thank God for not letting that happen. Instead, I stayed in Dallas to pursue something quite different; showbiz.
While studying at the local community college, ‘BrookHavard,’ I joined The Linicomn Agency in Plano, then to my first commercial an actor. Shoutout to HEB, but you’ll have to do your own research to find that one. The acting bug bit me, and I started taking it more seriously.
I moved to New York City to attend The New School for Drama, now Performing Arts, and continued my study as an actor. At the same time, I took interest in the film production classes. It’s there where I learned all the work that goes on behind the camera. During my studies, I found much work as a production assistant and took part in a variety of some super cool sets. Hard work, but great experience.
After graduation, I built up the courage to start creating. It started with music videos up in NYC, then to Dallas for commercial work. Met and worked with so many talented musicians in NYC, shout out to all of them for helping me get my start. They know who they are. The thing is, I missed Dallas too much. My family is here. I grew up here, so I came back.
I bought a camera, a computer, and started the work. I went full-freelance mode and started creating SPEC commercials while PAing in Dallas. The pandemic came and hit hard. With time, I started a little ‘somethin-somethin.’ In February of 2022, DP Film Studios LLC was born (working on a new name) and landed a few positions as an independent videographer. One at an AI company, then a Beard company. While also picking up a few tricks in the social media world.
I decided to really hone in on my creative side, creating SPEC commercials on my free time. Just trying to get better. Which brings me to now, a full-time Videographer at Ads That Disrupt. It’s definitely a challenge, but I know I’m giving them my best work, while also learning so much.
This doesn’t mean DP Film Studios LLC is closed for business. In fact, it is very much open, just… mostly on weekends. With all the commercial work that I’m doing here, I still am very much deep in love with film. I even have a subscription plan to my favorite movie theater, watching every movie that comes out. Sounds like an exaggeration, but it’s not.
What I’m trying to say…I’m really excited to start creating some of my own stories. That’s why I came into this business in the first place. By day, you have DP in the commercial ad world, at night you have DP the filmmaker, the storyteller. I just need me a new camera first.
One last thing, I have an abundance of gratitude for so many people in my life, for believing in me, supporting me, and loving me. Bringing me to where I stand today. The list is long, so a big thank you to every single one of them. Two specifically, shout out to my pops for showing me the world of movies and shout to my mom who has always been there for me. Love y’all.
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?
One lesson I learned… don’t be afraid to ask for help, for guidance. Sometimes I was afraid to ask, sometimes I felt I had dumb questions. It took me a while to overcome that fear, but ask my film friends now! I’m always asking questions. Ask for help when you need it. Ask for advice when you need it. Reach out! The right people are always willing to help another creative. So just ask! Looking back at everything I’ve done, no, it was not easy. But nothing is. It’s what makes it fun. Always room to learn!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I consider myself a filmmaker and an actor.
I have my LLC for my film production business, and I’m also an employee for Ads That Disrupt as a videographer. All while doing acting on the side.
In the future, I hope to just direct, act and write, but I’m also a cinematographer, editor, boom guy, anything anyone needs me to be on a film set. That is me. I guess you can say that’s what sets me apart. I’m always down for a challenge
I’m mostly proud of where I am. Here, now, in the present. It’s been a long road that is still not finished. So, I am proud for making it this far.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Going to College helped. Well, a school that offered my specific interests helped. I was able to focus on only what interested me, nothing else.
What most people don’t tell you, college, whether it’s community college, public and private universities, trade schools, etc… you go there to network! So, make friends, be open to conversations, and meeting new people that are interested in the same things you are. Look for solid relationships.
On looking for a mentor? Maybe you guys might be able to give me some advice for that. I need one!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://directordpfilms.com/
- Instagram: @_dpfilms
- Facebook: @_dpfilms
- Youtube: @_dpfilms
