Meet Dania Denise | Actor, Model, Coach & Indie Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dania Denise and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dania, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
When my acting coach, Howard Fine, said the following statement in class: “How you do one thing is how you do everything,” it really resonated with me. Consistency has always been key for me when it comes to setting expectations not just for myself but for my brand. A lot of people look amazing on paper but you still take a risk in working with them to see whether that portrayal is accurate or if true colors end up being revealed.

When it comes to how I conduct myself and how I work, I strive to be consistent with the traits that I want people to automatically associate with me when considering whether to work with or to hire me. And it’s authentic. I’m not pretending to be a version of myself that I’m not. I’m always professional, punctual, dependable, disciplined, responsive, resourceful, detail-oriented, etc.

First impressions are still a powerful concept and I practice what I preach. I know what it feels like to consider working with someone new for the first time and being put off by a first impression. For example, if you habitually take several days to respond to business emails/texts/correspondence, how do I know that you aren’t also lax in other ways you work? Or when I’m casting actors for projects and they don’t follow basic submission instructions…that’s a first impression and not a good one.

Be consistent. It’s always worked in my favor because when I get brought onto a project, people know exactly what they’re getting and what experience they’re going to have with me — that’s because I’ve built a strong track record of being consistent for all the right reasons.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been a professional actor and model for 25+ years. I grew up in front of the camera and consider being on sets my second home. Being able to watch the entertainment industry grow and evolve over the years was an education that served me well once I decided to become an indie filmmaker with my own production company. While there certainly have been challenges along the way — namely, being relatively “unknown” in the industry and a woman of color — what made all the difference in the success of my business so far has been due to the network I’ve built over the years. People have watched me work and stay consistent. They all know what I am capable of and the minute I announced I was starting Runaway Mill Productions, I had countless friends within the creative community reaching out to ask how they could help. Having that encouragement manifested into supportive action every step of the way keeps me going.

I’ve established a production protocol that I want to teach and implement across all sets, both narrative and commercial. I’ve developed a method of approach for pre-production, production, and post-production that has yet to fail me when it comes to putting together teams and talent, and I’m excited to share with others how they can be better directors, producers, casting directors, actors, and creatives overall by focusing on fostering a positive, safe, welcoming, and skill-driven work environment where everyone has a chance to learn the ropes from the pros and find their place in the industry while having fun and producing results everyone will be proud of.
An extension of this is also fulfilled through my work as an acting coach. Bringing out the best in my actors and giving them insight from a fellow actor who also happens to be a director and does casting, has been wonderful in implementing good habits, work ethics, and an individual-centered approach to the craft that not only serves them in their careers but gives me access to incredible talent for my own projects. It’s a beautiful cycle where everyone wins.

I’ve also been fortunate to get offered guest speaking engagements at venues and educational institutions and I thrive on those opportunities to inspire people — especially young people — to continue down their creative path in the most informed way possible.

I didn’t wait for permission or for a certain amount of time to pass before I felt “qualified” enough to pursue becoming an indie filmmaker. I just did it. And I want to show people the power behind taking the initiative and building and promoting your brand and talents to a point where your potential is undeniable. There is room for everyone at the top and I plan to bring everyone up with me. That’s how it should be. I firmly believe in the concept of “community, not competition.”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The first thing I would ask them is what they like to eat. I’m very food motivated so depending on what they’re in the mood for, chances are I can find the perfect place to dine and an activity to match.

If anything, we’d start in San Francisco at Urban Putt, where we can enjoy food, libations, and a couple rounds of mini golf, then walk off the calories by taking a stroll down The Embarcadero and stay at a hotel for the night. From there, we’d head over to the Legion of Honor Museum to check out the latest exhibits before hopping on the ferry and heading to Sausalito to continue our art gallery crawl and end up at Bar Bocce for great food and a beautiful view.

I’m also big on beauty and wellness so we’d have to spend half a day at the Changes Salon & Day Spa in Walnut Creek, indulging in massages, a sauna session, and their relaxation room before heading out to find dinner.

And, of course, we’ve got to have boba milk tea at Mr. Green Bubble or T4!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I first want to thank my dear friend, WeiJen Liao, for putting this interview opportunity on my radar in the first place. My super agent, Tabitha Kit of Kit International Talent, has been monumental in not only my professional career but as a wonderful friend who has always been there for me. She is what every Lady Boss should aspire to be! To my best friends who are my family, who have always uplifted me and believe I can do anything, I continue to be blessed by having each and every one of you in my life. A shoutout filled with love also goes to my partner, Pak Castillo, for being by my side through this level up in my career and life experiences. I’m grateful that it’s you I get to walk this path with.

It takes a village and my film family is everything to me! There are too many people to name but for the cast and crew that have been part of a Runaway Mill Productions project since day one, you are the heartbeat that makes me continue to take risks and dive in feet first into the world of storytelling. Big shoutout to David Keister, Jim Jones, Marc & Brenda Lhormer, and Bill Way for continuing to put your faith in my abilities and providing mentorship, support, and a friendship that has allowed me to navigate this industry successfully and unapologetically.

Last but not least, a huge shoutout to my parents: my mom (and my biggest fan), who has fully embraced this “off the beaten path” I’ve chosen and exemplifies what unconditional love looks like and to my dad, who I miss every day and is the inspiration for one of the biggest projects I’ve undertaken so far. Everything I do creatively is in memory of you.

Website: https://www.runawaymillproductions.com/

Instagram: @runawaymillproductions

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniamallette/

Twitter: @runawaymill

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/runawaymillproductions/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DaniaDenise

Other: Acting/Modeling IG: @daniadenise Acting/Modeling Website: https://daniadenise.com/ Coaching Website: https://www.daniadee.com/ https://linktr.ee/DaniaDenise You Were Just Here Digital Pitch Deck: https://www.youwerejusthere.com/

Image Credits
Steadfaster Media, Will Bucquoy Photography, Hollow Doubt Photography