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

Hi Dante, why did you pursue a creative career?
Ever since I was a young kid, I always put on shows for my family. Having them to sit down and watch this improvised play I put on always made me light up inside. I’d put together cast list, play title, and synopsis but never a script. From there I was able to just….be. It was in those moments when I knew this was my passion.

Storytelling has always been a craving of mine. Whether it be binging TV shows, films, WWE events, plays, etc. The concept of a beginning. The starting point. The launching pad to slingshot the reader or viewer into a world and escape for a few minutes to a few hours is something you could never explain to someone and have them go through the emotions you went through. It is these practices that allow me showcase the passionate side of my interests. In return, connecting with other individuals with the same passion is always a plus.

Having a creative career is tough. But it is an uphill battle that so many outside our industry do not understand, but it is what is most motivating. Making someone feel something that allows them to explore and understand a larger part of themselves is why I do what I do.

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’d like to say my art is an interesting one. A cliché but original one. A strong and rooted one. I’ve always been in love with creating. Creating stories, creating characters and settings, creating a blueprint both on a script and behind the scenes, to manifest a beautiful product. At times, I never know what I’m doing. No one truly does. If someone tells you that they know what they are doing, they are lying to your face. This career path and the road to the professional side of my passion is not easy. I’ve been faced with obstacles at every corner. But that’s beautiful about obstacles. They are necessary. They are worth running into because obstacles are nothing but launchpads to success. Obstacles shape you into a better person, they’ve definitely shaped me into a better artist.

I am most proud of the projects I have been able to showcase in the 4 years I have been working at this craft. All from an Acting standpoint. Writing standpoint. Directing standpoint. My first couple projects are cringe funny to re-watch but my most recent work is what I’m most proud of. My web series I worked alongside Jiliane Brown to create in the depth of the pandemic, Eight Ball, constantly reminds me why I do what I do. My short film I created, What is Grief?, in tribute to my late father, Scott Martinez, constantly reminds me why I continue to push along. Sometimes I think to myself, it’s the little projects that aren’t the most budgeted, most funded & most privileged, that mean the most to me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
LA is definitely one of the most beautiful cities I’ve lived in. It’s grand size is something that is the best thing and worst thing about the city for me, as experiencing new places to eat, drink, etc, are growing on a weekly basis for me. Catch LA is a must visit for some great dining options and experiences.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A ton of credit to who I am today and where I am today hangs with my family and friends. My grandparents, Annie & Alex, in shaping me into the man I am today. Their wisdom and snarky comments have guided me into the direction to walk the path into my career. My very close friends, whom I need not to name because they know who they are, play pivotal role in where I have brought myself. They are the ones constantly lifting my chin, dusting my clothes and clapping at my achievements when I need them the most. I would give everything in the world for them in times of need.

Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqGZL2eP6YPgWe0tngerccQ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dantesantiagomartinez/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dante.martinez.9883/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUXYuvApN2M9ZQToNWrBuAw

Other: Purple Leo Productions: IG – @purpleleoproductions

Image Credits
Stephanie Girard

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.