Daniel Talbott

What is your name, company name, and URL?

My name is Daniel Talbott and I’m only on Instagram now at danielcamerontalbott.

What is your specialty: filmmaking or screenwriting? If filmmaking, which aspects?

I’m a screenwriter, director, producer. A theater, TV, film person infinitely, all together as one.

What are you currently working on?

I’m really lucky to be finishing up post on my first feature as a director and screenwriter. It’s called MIDDAY BLACK MIDNIGHT BLUE and I got to co-direct and co-write it with my sister Sam Soule. I couldn’t be more thankful, especially to be working with my family. I’m also writing a feature about Katharine Hepburn.

Who do you consider your mentor and why?

Oh man, that’s a really tough question. There are so many people in my life who I love and look up to and who I learn from constantly. First and foremost my brother Will and my sisters Sam and Lucy, and my wife Addie. They are home to me and who I turn to, always. My manager Liz is extraordinary, and I feel so lucky to be walking this path and world with her. Christian Thorpe and Amanda Segal for sure as a TV writer and screenwriter. I love them both very much and owe them so much. Estelle Parsons always. Olivia Colman. I don’t know her but she’s my favorite actor and she blows me away. I’m so thankful that she’s out there in the world working and killing it.

Why do you think the horror/sci-fi genres have such a large following?

Terror, imagination, and limitless possibility. We’re all scared of death, of the unknown. Horror explores all of that in profound ways.

What do you love most about this business?

The work.

What do you dislike most about this business?

The business, social, networking part. I just want to work and especially work with my family and other folks that blow me away. I want to always be working and growing, expanding. The universe of film is limitless. I love that.

What career accomplishment are you most proud of?

Working with my family and being a parent that works in theater, film and TV. It’s a beautiful, tidal, unpredictable life and I’m really proud of how we fight hard to navigate that and keep our family at the center of it all. I’m proud that when we fall on our faces, we’re able to get back up with each other and endure.

Any advice you'd like to give to newbies?

The film is the thing. The work is the thing. You can’t work hard enough, the work is all that exists in the end. Fame is the worst reason to tell stories.

Anything else you'd like to say?

That you Denise and your film festival are both incredible. I’m so thankful for Shriekfest. The generosity, the film community you foster and create. You all are wonderful.