How the film maker also known as Dan Covert built his creative career
"Nothing's going to take place without a connection," Dan says. Dan. "The best way to build your brand is to produce something. If it's just a few offers to your friends, it is essential to create some type of product in order to remain in the game."
The ethos has led Dan to an impressive career that has seen him be awarded awards at AFI, SXSW, and get the Staff Selections. " How we built our careers was heavily influenced by the work that we performed," says Dan. "That could appear to be an oversimplified statement, however it's really real. There wasn't a single person watching the activities. The cameras were purchased and we began making things."
After the release of Dan's feature film " Geoff McFetridge: Drawing a life," which took home the Audience Award at this year's SXSW We were able to speak with Dan about the process which he employs. Dan spoke about the process he uses in creating his work and also about his favorite creative north movie. Take a look at the highlights of the chat above, and take a look at the whole discussion.
The first time you worked as graphic designer was the first one you had. From this point to the idea of making a feature film?
Dan Dan: We started the business in 1996. It was originally a graphic design company which later evolved into a motion graphic business, later becoming an enterprise to produce. It's a long method. In the past, we've made shorts. A lot of them were designed by our staff. They were selected for wear .
We just started experimenting and figuring out our plan both as directors and for business at the time I was forty. I thought for some time "I'm going to be making films in the future." It was then that I thought "Maybe I shouldn't develop films until I'm ready to get started." As I started looking for stories, this movie almost came to life.
16 years could be an extended time frame to help make certain things happen on the area. What can you do to keep engaged?
Dan The truth is that it's genuinely satisfying to work in this area. It wasn't until recently that I was thinking, "Oh, there's going to be a massive surge in the industry when I change my career and I'm involved in the Oscars." That's not something I think about. But the question is "Am I having fun in the moment? Are I having fun in the present?"
If you announce a new strategy to the world and is not able to know how the public will respond to it. It's as if you ask "Did you make the best decision I could have made? Do I spend the moments with people that I admire and respect? Are we trying to be genuine and real?" I'm a multiple irons to the flame type of person. I run a business. I am a commercial director. I've had the pleasure of being involved in the making of this feature film. I'm extremely successful with my art process. But, the most important thing is spending time making things that me awe as well as uttering the words, "We'll see where they lead us."
However, I'm much less concerned about the ' what place they're located in' aspect because it is a risk to eat you up. What's the point? Who really cares how popular or a success? It's not something you're going to recall when you reach 80.
What's your personal North Star?
Dan Dan: We're continually improving our understanding of this, but it's really the art of storytelling. It's craft and art. The word "craft" is a little hazy however, they're both significant. The concept is "Can you write a story?" At times, we're drawn by the idea that's not yet fully developed, that we, as storytellers, have an ability to communicate a story.
Commercials are an idea that's similar to art is that they're essentially opposite elements however they're not on the top levels. They're focused on emotions and express that emotion with incredible cinematography. Everyone has their unique voice. What brings me joy is the story and character.
What are you able to accomplish to develop an identity for your brand that's not impairing your vision for your identity?
Dan The first time I started my journey, I was thinking that "Oh it's due to the fact that they're asking me to complete the duties they're requesting." But then I realized "No I'm hired to assist with their work, and I'm confident of exactly the situation." This marked a significant shift in the way that I consider what my company's demands are, and what vision they have. It's not a big issue however with each step I've grown in my role as a leader, I've come to understand that the company keeps you in mind and provides your personal voice. They will review all information and advise you of "What you need to do is these."
Are there any companies that you're still hoping to partner with?
Dan Dan The issue is that I have difficulty with it because I'm not paying enough attention to this kind of matter. The same way as asking "Is this an enjoyable and thrilling undertaking?" Certain tasks that have been one of the dullest I've had turned into the most enjoyable work. I created a documentary that was based on a type historian at Syracuse as well as one of the historians' Staff Pick video we did. The tale was about a man stuck in a cellar who succeeded in finding the typeface. Then, Pentagram made it the official logo of Syracuse University. He is awe-inspiring. I'd like to see someone like him.
Everybody would like to be a part of Nike along with other great corporations. It's fun, but I like learning those stories that are distinctive and then presenting them in stage.
I have never been trained to be a performer. It was an incredible satisfying experience for me as an artist to be able to attract over 300,000 viewers in just a couple of days to watch the documentary that we produced. It's like "Oh Oh My God." Is there a difference? This film wasn't intended for production. It was originally a project of the client. The small editing took place, and I later observed the audience.
Dress Code has been in existence for a considerable duration of. Why do you want to stay within this dress code?
Dan Dan: It's set to be the central hub where all those who are creating content can visit to view the work we've made. Many things are happening in the field of short films. And we're able to self-fund. It's the idea behind tiny trials balloons. After that, other designers can observe the balloons. It's always an exciting experience. A representative from an agency is likely to contact you to tell you "Hey we spotted the commercial. Could you create this advertisement for us?" This is like a one-to-one. When we're putting our efforts into something such as it is, people who are suited to the task see it and exalt the issue, giving us a platform.
HTML0 What is the best place to find a source for concepts?
Dan The source of most of my ideas by art. In reality I do not go to the movies any more. I've found it to be draining, and I'd like to be able to replicate some of the techniques. I look up the odd and unique, as well as check out commercial feature documentaries or look into in the fine arts, for framing, or any other strategies which are inspired by visuals.
What's the best advice you've had?
Dan Dan Dan Dan love the quote that comes from Steve Martin where he says, "Be so good that you can't get anyone to forget about your." I've always been awestruck by that. The same is true for most people's desire to be able to create something and then see it done. To me, it's all about putting your effort into constructing the foundation of your plan. Then, you'll be so content that others are able to locate your project.
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