Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Schick
Hi Dana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Storytelling has been in my DNA for as long as I can remember. As a child, I was always performing—whether it was playing violin, guitar, or flute, acting in school plays, or auditioning for film and television. At 13, I took a major step toward my craft, training at the renowned Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute Conservatory, where I performed over the years many plays especially Shakespeare on stage. One of the most unforgettable moments? Legendary alumni’s like Al Pacino and Robert De Niro watching me perform multiple times.
At 16, I ventured into fitness and fashion modeling, featuring in Vogue Italia, Nylon, and other major publications. Collaborating with renowned photographers and designers, I became the face of campaigns for brands like Dickies Australia & New Zealand and Harley-Davidson, and appeared on several romantic novel covers. These experiences taught me to embody diverse personas and convey stories through imagery, skills that naturally complemented my transition into acting. Concurrently, I trained under esteemed acting coaches—including Ivana Chubbuck, Howard Fine, Margie Haber, Tony Barr, and Stella Adler—honing my craft while moving into commercials and film. Yet, my heart was always set on portraying complex, dramatic leads.
That passion led me to executive produce and star in The Death of Us, a drama-thriller-horror filmed during the pandemic lockdown. The film earned multiple awards and nominations, including Best Actress and Margaret Garza Actress of the Year, and won Best Produced Script – Feature at the Austin Revolution Film Festival. I was honored to win Best Actress at the Independent Filmmakers Showcase (IFS) Los Angeles Film Festival alongside industry veterans like Jessica Chastain, Bruce Dern, Eric Roberts, and Danny Trejo. The film premiered at Regal Cinemas at LA Live—an absolute dream—and is now streaming worldwide on Amazon Prime Video, Prime Video UK, Apple TV, Roku, Comcast Xfinity On Demand, Fandango / Vudu and more.
Now, I’m producing Ostensible, a suspense/thriller/sci-fi film. We’re actively securing financing and are in talks with notable talent, while distributors have already shown strong interest in bringing it to audiences.
Whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes, storytelling has always been my driving force. I’m grateful for this journey and excited for what’s ahead.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all—but challenges build resilience. Securing financing is always a hurdle in indie filmmaking, and I’m constantly seeking investors who believe in compelling, original stories. Transitioning from acting to producing was another learning curve, but with a strong team, like our company Outta The Garage Ent LLC. I’ve found a balance.
The road hasn’t always been easy—rejection, setbacks, and the unpredictable nature of the film industry have tested me. But instead of deterring me, these challenges have deepened my determination to keep evolving and create impactful, meaningful work.”
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an actress, producer, filmmaker, and entrepreneur with a deep passion for telling compelling stories that captivate audiences. My work spans across genres such as drama, thrillers, sci-fi, and documentaries, and I’m particularly known for my ability to portray complex, layered characters.
Growing up in a military family, I was constantly exposed to new people and cultures, sparking my fascination with human behavior. This unique upbringing has shaped my ability to truly understand and embody diverse characters, bringing authenticity and depth to every role I play.
One of my proudest achievements to date is The Death of Us, a project I executive produced, starred in, and served as 1st Assistant Director for. This film, made during the pandemic lockdown—a pivotal and historic time—was a labor of love. We took full control, from development to landing distribution, and I played a central role in bringing the vision to life. The film earned multiple festival nominations, premiered at Regal Cinemas at LA Live, and is now streaming globally on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Roku, and more.
While the journey has had its challenges, none of this would have been possible without the incredible support of my team. I am deeply grateful to my talented colleagues at Outta The Garage Ent.—filmmaker and writer/director Yonash Breneman, writer Anthony Theodorakos, actor Ahku, our amazing crew, and the investors who believed in the project. Together, we made The Death of Us a reality, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished.
Through my in-house production company, I’m focused on creating high-quality, audience-driven content, and I’m actively seeking strategic partnerships with major studios, distributors, and investors who share our vision for innovative storytelling. What truly sets me apart is my unwavering dedication to storytelling that not only entertains but also provokes thought, challenges perceptions, and leaves a lasting impact on culture.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The film industry is on the brink of major shifts. Streaming will continue to dominate, opening doors for indie filmmakers to reach global audiences but also intensifying competition. Advances in AI and virtual production will revolutionize how films are made, making storytelling more accessible and efficient.
Audiences are craving diverse, authentic narratives, and that demand is reshaping the industry. The key to longevity? Staying adaptable, innovative, and always putting story first.
Pricing:
- Independent filmmaking budgets can range from $100K to $1M, with additional costs for festival submissions, distribution, and marketing. Securing financing is a critical part of the process, and I’m currently seeking investors who are passionate about cinema to help bring future projects to life. Creative resource management is key to making these films successful, and I’m excited about the opportunities to collaborate with those who share a love for storytelling.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @danaschick | @thedeathofusmovie
- LinkedIn: Dana Schick
- Twitter: @danaschick
- Youtube: Dana Schick
- Other: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0N003TI5TP3LUU6QWHH64WSPI7/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
Image Credits
© 2025 Dana Schick and Outta The Garage Ent. LLC. All rights reserved
