Indie Film Scene had a chance to ask some questions of Dante Orange, an up-and-coming filmmaker. Dante’s drive and determination are sure to make him a success in the Film Industry. His current screenplay “Sweet Cuisine” is already getting noticed in the film festival circuit. We hope you enjoy his answers as much as we did.
IFS: When did you get started in the Film Industry?
DO: I’m a lifelong movie buff, with a particular focus on screenwriting and directing. I received my high school diploma from Dunbar Vocational Career Academy, where I studied digital media production. I later went on to attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale, majoring in Radio-Television with a minor in Cinema. Seeing that my focus was video production, I found that radio television goes hand in hand with filmmaking. Throughout my high school and college career, I made a number of comedy shorts and documentary projects, beginning with a web series that was insanely popular amongst my high school classmates.
Between now and 2017, I’ve won several accolades for the script that eventually became Sweet Cuisine. It’s undergone plot overhauls and title changes since its creation in 2015. Despite what some may believe, it is not my first nor only script, however, it is the one I’m most passionate about.
IFS: Was there something or someone that inspired you to create a screenplay or film?
DO: The people who inspire me most, in terms of public figures are Tyler Perry and the late Bernie Mac. Tyler is a self-made mogul who overcame all sorts of horrific obstacles in his life to accomplish his goals. He started with one idea he believed in, a stage play that bombed the first few times he put the show on and stuck with it until it eventually succeeded. Tyler’s devotion to that show is exactly how I feel about Sweet Cuisine.
Bernie, while not a filmmaker, hailed from Chicago like I do. Bernie was a bold and courageous stage presence who always stayed true to himself and pursued his craft simply for the passion, not money. When he died in 2008, I felt like I lost a hero, but now I see myself as a part of his legacy. He walked, so the next generation of Black entertainers can soar. As long as I hold him close to my heart, he’ll never be gone.
IFS: What has been your biggest challenge?
DO: Truth be told, money has been my biggest challenge. It’s not something I try to hide or downplay in an effort to save face. Unlike some of my wealthier schoolmates, I didn’t have the luxury of moving to expensive cities like New York or L.A. to pursue my film career after college. Instead, I’ve had to stay put and work a regular 9 to 5. Had I been able to relocate to the right location, I’m sure it would be a lot easier for me to network and find opportunities in the field. As difficult as it gets, I never lose sight of my ultimate goal. In time, I will get to where I need to be. Until then, I have to make the best of the life I live now.
IFS: Do you have a favorite moment, when everything clicked and you knew you were on the right path?
DO: The web series I produced in high school was the “clicking” moment for me. It was an improv comedy where I played a tacky pimp character (costume, wig, and all) - who along with various friends and rivals, got into all sorts of weird misadventures. It was the first time my instructor gave me full creative control of a project, and it helped boost my confidence tremendously. I went from being an awkward bully target to a mini celeb in a single school year. What I learned most from the experience are the fundamentals of filmmaking: directing, producing, writing, and editing. College only enhanced my skills.
IFS: Have you done it alone, or had great support along the way?
DO: Screenwriting is something I do alone, but overall, I’ve had a sizable support system ranging from schoolmates, teachers, friends, and family. A number of my social media followers have been quite supportive of me as well, whether or not they actually know me in real life. It’s a humbling feeling for sure.
IFS: What would be your dream project?
DO: Aside from original stories, I’d love to someday write and direct a live-action reimagining of the 1989 film, All Dogs Go To Heaven, which starred the late Burt Reynolds and Dom DeLuise. All Dogs has been a favorite of mine for as long as I can remember. Now that I’m an adult, I especially appreciate the film’s messages about friendship, selflessness, and the power of love. I’d take great pride in an opportunity to reintroduce that world to a new generation of kids in my own unique way that will resonate with young viewers as well as adults who remember the original as fondly as I do. Disregarding the sequels would be in extremely poor taste, so I would make sure my iteration pays homage to the succeeding films, All Dogs Go To Heaven 2 and An All Dogs Christmas Carol - both of which have their share of fans as well.
IFS: What advice would you give to someone wanting to make a film or write a script?
DO: The best advice I can give to someone setting out to write a script is to tell whatever story their heart compels them to tell, and to be relentless in their mission to bring it to life. Critics and haters are inevitable, but you must press on and not let it deter you. If you can see it in your head, you surely can bring it to the screen, just have faith in your abilities. The impossible is possible.
IFS: Finally, anyone you’d like to thank or recognize, even if it's just someone who said you couldn’t get it done and that made you go harder?
DO: First and foremost, I’d like to thank the family members who have supported and provided me with the absolute best life anyone could ask for. I also want to acknowledge my network of longtime friends and schoolmates who have cheered me on since the very beginning of my creative journey.
Lastly, I want each and every one of the doubters and naysayers who have rejected, abandoned, or flat-out ignored me to know that their lack of support will never block what is destined to be.
Learn more about Dantè Orange by visiting these links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteOrange
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrdanteorange
Script to Screen Dante' Orange has the proven skills to make it happen
Meet up and coming filmmaker Dante' Orange
Ranelle Golden - | Managing Director
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