Meet Dana DellaCamera | Performing Artist & Creative Producer

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

Hi Dana, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?

Perhaps don’t have a “Plan B”. Looking back on my life. I wish I would have had the confidence to go for “Plan A”, what I really wanted, which was to be a professional performer instead of “Plan B” which I thought was more “realistic” and could pay the bills. It was a long and winding road and “Plan B” led me back to “Plan A” over and over again. It was frustrating because I was doing “Plan B” and not even making good money with a master’s degree. I would recommend to everyone to go for what you really want. Become an expert. Immerse yourself in the topic. Take every class you can. Never stop learning or training. Give 100% and be thirsty for knowledge. When you commit then you will have no regrets because you will have known you played full out. You did everything you could and the chips fell where they may which is better than spending a lifetime wondering “what if?”. Every career has challenges, you may as well do something you love.

I understand you may need a job to pay the bills in the meantime. What I am saying is during that time stay focused and be intentional. You can save yourself a lot of time, effort, money, and heartbreak if you go straight for what you want regardless of what others think and regardless of what you think is possible for yourself. Everyone will have an opinion and sometimes you will have to go with your gut. However, be open to receive advice and feedback from people who are genuinely trying to help you. This is important. Don’t be too stubborn to grow and listen. If enough people tell you you have a tail you may want to take a look.  The universe will make a way behind the scenes for you regardless of what it “looks like”. Keep walking in faith, walk through every open door in front of you, and remember that dream is in your heart for a reason. You got this and God got you!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

In 2018, I noticed there was a need for more film programming and events in the community that were hands-on. That taught students practical skills to take their careers and storytelling to the next level. Then I had the good fortune of meeting Franco Barbeite, an LA and NY film veteran, who is now the Chairman of the Board for the Arts Accelerator and the rest is history. Franco has boiled his 20 years of industry experience into powerful, easy-to-apply principles to help people of all skill levels write and create high-quality content consistently. The Arts Accelerator is committed to going above and beyond providing events, workshops, and festivals that help to accelerate people’s careers.

Through the Arts Accelerator Film Festival and the 48-Hour Film Project, we are excited to provide life-changing opportunities to creatives and filmmakers that will help move their careers forward. These prizes include cash and awards like 8 hours of free time in CML Studos ($1,000 value), a $500 gift certificate to Budget Video Rental, and 2 hours of free ADR recording time at NH Record Studios PLUS a chance to compete with and network with other filmmakers around the world through the 48-Hour Film Project “Filmapalooza” world competition and a shot at being screened at the Cannes Film Festival in France. All of our workshops and Masterclasses are designed for hands-on learning. All of our instructors are industry vets who share the best, fastest, most effective way to produce high-quality visual storytelling that accelerates students’ learning curve.

It was not easy launching the organization and it’s a lot of work. People have no idea how much work it is behind the scenes constantly applying for grants and hosting events. We have demonstrated that we consistently provide high-quality programming. Both of our short films that have been made by the students in the Screenwriting and Filmmaking Masterclasses were “Official Selections” and screened at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. These accolades help launch careers and give students the confidence to continue to make more work. It also provides them with a “calling card” to secure more paid production work in the industry.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I always recommend Wynwood Walls, Rooftop bars, Taquiza’s homemade chips (Todobos), and guac on North Beach and enjoy the sun. Of course, you have to go salsa dancing at Ball and Chain and have lunch at Versailles. Sugarcane in Midtown, S3 in Fort Lauderdale for the best sushi ever! I would tell them they have to come back for Art Basel because it is so inspiring and the city is buzzing with fun things to do. There’s also Carnival in October. There is a lot of culture in Miami and we are lucky that we are more of a salad than a melting pot because everyone’s culture is alive and well and moves the city forward with a unique and fun energy. I would also recommend checking out dance performances at Live Arts Miami, and the Perez Art Museum, if you’re into sports the new soccer team, Marlins, Dolphins, Panthers…it really depends on what you are into. I always tell everyone to take the trip all the way down to Key West because it is a totally different vibe. When you go there you should always get a fish sandwich from BO’s. It’s the best on the planet. Stop on your way down at the boutiques and antique shops and grab a slice of key lime pie. Last, but not least are the Miami Film Festival and the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. These events are very well done screening inspiring films and extravagant parties where you can network with high-profile people in the industry.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The person I would like to shout out is the Chairman of the Board for the Arts Accelerator. If I did not have Franco’s partnership, support, and guidance the Arts Accelerator would not exist. Through his unwavering faith in me and the generosity of his time and talent, I was able to give myself grace, step into the Director position in the organization, and launch the organization. He gave me the space to create and discover a new side of myself where I could continue to nurture, explore, and develop my instincts and talents in film, storytelling, producing, leadership, and entrepreneurship. In addition, he is generous with his knowledge and shares all that he knows in film when he teaches the Screenwriting and Filmmaking Masterclasses. If you are a filmmaker, actor, or Writer in South Florida you should definitely take on one of our Masterclasses and experience the difference for yourself.

We hope to see you at our upcoming Arts Accelerator Film Festival and 48 Hour Film Project Film Premieres Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023 at Savor Cinema. There will be workshops on Acting and Writing for TV from Award-winning industry experts and films featuring top film talent in Florida. We look forward to seeing you there.

Arts Accelerator Film Festival & 48 Hour Film Premiere Get Your Tix! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/698203073187?aff=oddtdtcreator

Acting Workshop – 3-Day Intensive with Award-winning Actor/Producer Richardson Chery, Sept. 29, 30, Oct. 1 Register today! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/716590390147?aff=oddtdtcreator

Website: https://artsaccelerator.org/

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

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

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

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

Other: Film Freeway – Submit your film: https://filmfreeway.com/ArtsAcceleratorFilmFestival Purchase tickets to the Arts Accelerator Film Festival, Sat. Sept. 23, 2023 – Film Screenings, Workshops, Awards: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arts-accelerator-film-festival-film-screenings-workshops-and-awards-tickets-698203073187 LinkedIn Arts Accelerator Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/33212833/admin/feed/posts/