Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Gasher.
Hi Danielle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. I’ve been obsessed with movies for as far back as I can remember. I studied broadcast journalism and film studies at Concordia University in Montreal. In May 2017, I got an internship at the Cannes Film Festival, where I worked with a film sales company called Double Dutch International (DDI). From that first day of my internship, I remember being completely hooked. I had never learned about the business side of the film industry, and I couldn’t believe people were getting paid to travel the world and talk about movies and filmmaking all day. I just remember listening in on every meeting, reading everything I could get my hands on, cramming my brain with as much of the jargon as possible so that I could hopefully impress DDI and convince them to hire me one day. Now that I had gotten a taste of this fast-paced movie-obsessed world, I never wanted to leave. After a few internships with DDI, the company did offer me a full-time position on the sales team, and I relocated from Montreal to Toronto in 2018. I learned so much in my 2+ years with DDI. Mark Padilla, the company’s SVP of sales, was an incredible mentor. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for him and whatever potential he saw in me during that first internship. I just recently left DDI, joining the sales team at Voltage Pictures in LA.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Honestly, it’s been pretty damn smooth, and I can’t complain. My introduction to the industry was with a company that treated me fairly. I made strong friendships and met incredible mentors very early on in my career. So I feel lucky, more than anything else. I think the biggest challenges have had to do with moving a few times. Leaving family and friends behind in Montreal when moving to Toronto. Now leaving my life behind in Toronto as I move to LA. And of course, as a Canadian, moving to the US is an added challenge. Luckily, my work VISA was approved hassle-free. Having a great immigration lawyer has taken a lot of stress off that process. (Thanks Zoe!)
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I work in independent film production and distribution. More specifically, I work in international sales. I started as a sales agent with DDI and am currently a sales consultant with Voltage Pictures. Essentially, a sales company acts as the bridge between the movies and the audiences. We work with producers, writers and directors to find great projects. Then, our job is to evaluate those projects, price them, sometimes help produce them, and ultimately sell them to distributors around the world. It’s crazy to think that writing a screenplay or making a movie is JUST the first step. There is so much that goes into the business of movies. From the deal negotiation to the marketing strategy, the festivals and release strategy. I love being involved in every aspect of it, and I learn so much every day. It’s such an honour to be working for Nicolas Chartier and Jonathan Deckter. They are both indie film industry veterans for whom I have nothing but admiration and respect. They have been involved in incredible projects from The Hurt Locker, to Dallas Buyers Club, to I Feel Pretty, Colossal, A Tale of Love And Darkness, and the successful After franchise. They have that eye for strong projects that have that commercial potential worldwide.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
As strange as it sounds, discomfort is a better measure of success for me than happiness. Obviously, success is something different for everyone. For me, I’ve found success through discomfort. Anytime I push myself to get out of situations that feel too comfortable and complacent, that is usually when great things happen – Discomfort in my life has led me to learn, grow and surprise myself more than I could have ever imagined. And that, in turn, is what makes me feel successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.voltagepictures.com/
- Instagram: @danigasher
