-Who is Daniel Calderone?

I am a filmmaker and creative director from Toronto who is obsessed with the art of film
and keen on developing my skills as a storyteller to creatively and culturally enhance
the cinematic experience. I made a breakthrough in the film industry without any formal
film education by becoming the founder and CEO of NinetyFour Productions Inc. in 2020.

This is a Toronto based production company dedicated to filmmaking, videography, photography, marketing, and social media distribution. Over the years, I collaborated with independent filmmakers, professionals in the field and assisted in various film and music video productions across Toronto and LA. My obsession with movies have led me to work for the Toronto International Film Festival as a marketing
distributor, Warner Bros. Canada as a publicity and promotions coordinator, and Entertainment One as a theatrical film marketing coordinator. I am currently working as a creative producer for a YouTube food travel series called BEYOND THE BLADE under the cutting edge culinary company called Dalstrong. My innate philosophy has been to leave behind a legacy no matter what it is you choose to do in life. Filmmaking has consistently allowed me the opportunities to explore my imagination and creatively tell
the stories that have the potential to inspire lives.

– What inspired you to become a Filmmaker?

For many years, I was enamoured with the idea of leaving behind a legacy with the passion I chose to pursue. Since the day I was born, cinema has very much been a part of my life, which I owe greatly to both my parents who originally introduced it to me.
Every Saturday night as a new born child, my mother and father would ritually include
me in their movie going experience by sitting me on the couch and letting me watch
some of the most dramatic, entertaining, and memorable movies I’d ever seen. I began
developing a relentless obsession with watching films, that I noticed it was consuming
my entire life. I’d see the world through the lens of the camera and the perspective of a
potential story. Upon learning about my new obsession, I decided to further explore the
people who were responsible for making the films that I love. This is when I discovered
a proud film aficionado that changed the whole trajectory of my life from studying
marketing in business school to becoming a professional film director – Quentin
Tarantino. Once I laid my eyes on his captivating films, I knew where my heart truly
belonged – the cinema. And after learning that he never went to film school and became
a director on his own merit through incredible tenacity, I knew it was possible for me.

-Do you think the cinema can bring a change in society?

I believe cinema is a poignant artistic medium that allows society to collectively explore
and crucially understand the human condition. Experiencing this visually captivating art
form carries a unique capability apart from other expressions that can significantly
Daniel Calderone 2 of 2 address and influence societal values. While music, art, and theatre possess the same capabilities of societal change for those who consume it, cinema gives the audience a
unique perspective by offering all of them at once. Using the power of storytelling
supported by striking visuals, melodic music, and emotional performative art, it is truly
an unforgettable experience if done authentically and correctly. My argument for this
strong conviction is cinematic films have the potential to evoke certain resounding
feelings through their unique qualities that can give an audience different perspectives
on their life, their purpose, and even themselves. Understanding such a provocative
notion will make people see that cinema DOES have the power to bring a change in
society, yet only in the matter to which it presents a story and tells it truthfully. Only then
will society witness that spark for change when a film dares them to question their own
reality.

– What would you change in the world?

A very interesting question to answer as I could think of many different aspects that I’d
like to have change in the world. Personally, I’d prefer for the world to return to the
traditional values that made our society more respectable in the past. I’m not saying that
people’s freedom and empowerment should be limited or removed, but I do wish our
society would uphold the values of family, integrity and, respect. I strongly feel our world
is devolving into a value system that prides success over fulfillment and materialism
over gratitude. I grew up in a fairly conservative household so maybe my desire for
change can be argued as biased, however, these inherit values I champion for society
are the ones I believe that make for a more fruitful life. Be grateful for your friends and
family, never disregard your integrity for anyone, and pursue something of meaning
rather than of monetary pleasure.

-Where do you see the film industry going in the next 100 years?

Even though the general public may push the narrative of streaming services taking
over the theatrical experience, I believe the film industry as a whole will ADAPT in the
next 100 years. Like in the last 100 years, the film industry adapted to new venues and
new technologies. But the movie going experience and the art of telling stories proved
to remain. I say this with great conviction because despite the cynicism of film being
dead or there are no new great ideas, there will always be someone like myself ready to
tell a compelling story. The beauty of film does not rely on its entertainment value to be
successful, rather on its potential to become timeless. People will always remember
how certain films in history made them feel, not by just the visuals or quotable lines, but
the message it served them and the influence it had on their own life. There is no
perfect story to tell. There is no limit to telling stories. There is only the art of storytelling,
which will eternally belong to the film industry.