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From multi-hyphenate to producer
Brooklyn-based producer Daniel Tantalean joined Inside Indies to trace a path from editor and DP to Sundance-winning producer. Early years across branded content, PA work, and VFX coordination taught him how every department thinks, which built trust with collaborators and first-time writer-directors. The producer role clicked after a period of reassessment, community building, and realizing he loved “bring[ing] people together and then try[ing] to execute these sometimes what it seems like impossible movies.”
Finding voice and partners
Tantalean met filmmaker Alessandra Lacorazza at NALIP, read an early draft of In the Summers, and felt seen by its specificity and universality. The film’s four-chapter structure, time jumps, and textured locations made it deceptively hard to produce. When funding tightened in post, the team submitted an unfinished cut to Sundance. Acceptance revived momentum, and the film went on to win the 2024 Grand Jury Prize.
On fellowships, community, and pace
Labs and fellowships at Sundance, Film Independent, and The Gotham expanded networks, opened doors to reps and financiers, and sustained the work between greenlights. His advice to emerging filmmakers: “Make sure you look to the left and the right of you, because those are the people that are going to help you achieve what you’re going to achieve.” Build with your peers, take your time, and “don’t wait for permission.”
Why payroll and compliance partners matter
Asked what he wants from a payroll company, Tantalean is direct: “It’s the least sexiest answer, but reliability.” In a volatile industry, “reliability is actually the most sexiest thing to me as a producer.” He credits Cast & Crew’s responsiveness and protection on fringes and union obligations for keeping productions on track.
What’s next
Tantalean is in post on Rebel Without a Pause and packaging debut features like Lovebomb, continuing to champion identity-driven stories grounded in place and community. Reflecting on Sundance’s legacy and support for first features, he underscores indie resilience: “We always find a way to get it done. We will survive.”
Watch the full episode to hear Daniel’s tactics for navigating festivals, financing, and first-feature risk. Want proven support for payroll, compliance, and Showbiz Budgeting so your production can focus on the work? Talk to a Cast & Crew workflow specialist and book a demo today.
Need to pay union fringes? We’ve got our back. Get a quote payroll today.
