Today we’d like to introduce you to Daria Rountree.
Hi Daria, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My dad is in the entertainment industry, so I grew up running around on sets and backlots. I thought it was so magical being able to create worlds and bring stories to life. I was hooked from age 5. I started shooting my own movies with friends at age 12 and haven’t stopped since. My dad knew how unstable this industry is and tried to deter me, but once I got to college and he saw I wasn’t going to give it up, he gave up on trying to stop me haha.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Filmmaking is a team effort, and I think the most important yet difficult part is finding collaborators who are just as passionate so you can continue to grow and build your resume. Half of the job is being good at what you do; the other half is networking. It’s taken years, but I feel like I finally have a solid team I can now call when I’m hired for a job. You spend long hours on set, and it will be stressful at times, so having people who you can count on and also enjoy being around is essential. There’s nothing worse than being on set with someone who complains a lot and brings down the vibe of the whole set.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Director and Cinematographer specializing in dark themes such as psychological thrillers and dramas. One of my greatest accomplishments was winning 25 awards in 28 festivals for my film Virginia, Forever. The latest would probably be shooting a feature film in 6 days after being brought on as Cinematographer only 2 days prior. What sets me apart is when I have a film I want to make, I will learn any skill needed to make it happen. The reason there are so many names in movie credits is because so many different skills are needed, but when you don’t have millions of dollars to make a film, you often need to take on a few of those roles.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
My drive and determination have been vital to my success. It’s one of the most difficult yet rewarding industries you can be in. Luckily, I’ve gotten to a place where everyone in my life is in entertainment, so working is also my social time. Otherwise, I would not have a social life. haha
Contact Info:
- Website: Dariavisuals.com
- Instagram: @Daria_Rountree
Image Credits
Jordan Campbell
MKG
Erin Howell
Noah Dorsey
