Dana Richie

Backlot Productions

1) What was your first professionally directed work and when was it?

Bayer Aspirin Stroke Survivor stories 2019.

2) How did you get into directing? 

Directing has always been a lifelong passion. Dana started in journalism and in news. She was also an off air reporter, leading Viacom/MTV Networks/VH1’s News, Series & Specials for many years and worked on promo’s for the music documentary series Behind The Music. She also worked at ABC News 20/20 in both the investigative unit as well as on Barbara Walter’s specials. She won some prestigious awards including a Cine Golden Eagle, Genesis Award for Humane Society and worked with the team on a story that won a Peabody.

3) What is your most recent project? 

The World is Yours,  a five-part docuseries on diversity and inclusion.

4) What is the best part of being a director? 

The best part of being a documentary director is being able to tell the incredible stories of the people I work with no matter what stories we are telling. I also love the creative process that directing offers.” 

5) What is the worst part of being a director? (Response may be up to 125 words)

The worst of being a director, is when you don’t get every job.

6) What is your current career focus: commercials and branded content, television, movies? Do you plan to specialize in a particular genre–comedy, drama, visual effects, etc.? 

Dana’s current focus is purpose-driven storytelling across all genres including commercials, documentaries, music videos, and branded content. Dana plans to specialize in documentary storytelling with a parallel path of music and comedy.

7) Have you a mentor and if so, who is that person (or persons) and what has been the lesson learned from that mentoring which resonates with you? 

While I’ve always wanted a professional mentor, unfortunately I’ve never had the privilege of having one and I’m still searching. I look up to so many incredible women in the industry and would love the opportunity to meet them.

8) Who is your favorite director and why? (Response may be up to 125 words)

My favorite director was Mike Nichols, He introduced me to a movie that has shaped my directing inspiration, The Graduate. That movie had it all humor, art, flawed characters, empathy. I use these elements in my directing in every medium. 

9) What is your favorite movie? Your favorite television/online program? Your favorite commercial or branded content? 

Favorite movie is The Graduate. Favorite television show is The Sopranos. Favorite commercial is anything by Nike.

10) Tell us about your background (i.e., where did you grow up? Past jobs?) 

Dana grew up in Texas, and her jobs were always related to storytelling. She started her career at the local Huston CBS station and wrote for the largest Huston newspaper including many front page articles.

11) How has the pandemic impacted your career, art, craft, shaped your attitudes and reflections on life which in turn may influence your work, approach, spirit, mindset?

The pandemic has been transformative. It has enabled Dana to pivot and try new methods of storytelling incorporating workshops, brand identity, and messaging as part of storytelling capabilities. Dana is directing remotely using existing technology to connect her to stories all over the world. She looks forward to continually learning and evolving.

Contact

Contact Dana Richie via email
Backlot Productions