By 22, Dane Del Deo had completed a university degree, directed the relaunch of an iconic piece of telecommunication history and was already making a mark in Hollywood.
Dane’s journey to carving out a career in filmmaking spans two continents, from Santa Barbara to the Gold Coast and back to Southern California.
The Bond University Bachelor of Film and Television alumnus grew up in California and fell in love with filmmaking in Year 10.
“I discovered filmmaking and directing while taking editing as a sophomore at the Multimedia Arts and Design Academy (MAD) at Santa Barbara High School,” says Dane.
“We had an assignment where we had to plan, shoot and edit a fake commercial. I made a Nike commercial and absolutely loved the process.”
Dane was introduced to Bond through MAD’s partnership with the University and was instantly attracted to the idea of studying in Australia.
“I’m an avid surfer and the idea of living on the Gold Coast was a dream come true,” he says.
The reality, Dane says, was everything he hoped it would be. In two short years, Dane honed his craft and graduated with a portfolio of work that gave him a headstart on his career.
“I loved having film equipment and passionate individuals around me to make lots of work,” he says.
“In our industry it’s all about having a strong reel. This work gave me the ability to jump straight into directing.
“I met some great collaborators while attending Bond that I hope to work with in the future.”
After graduating Dane secured a role with Los York, an award-winning creative company with offices in – as the name suggests - Los Angeles and New York.
Motorola approached the agency with a vision to bring back the Razr phone and Los York was successful in producing the concept and the commercial.
Fresh out of university, Dane co-directed the commercial. It went viral and has close to 50 million views online.
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Two additional commercials are in the final stages of production and Dane has another shoot coming up in February.
Based in the heart of America’s creative industry, Dane has ended up exactly where he dreamed of being, but he does miss his second home.
“Los Angeles is a great place to be for my career, but I miss living on the point in Burleigh,” he says.
Dane says Bond was the perfect fit for his ambition and desire to create.
Bond Film and Television students will make at least eight films during their degree and have the opportunity to be part of the crew on more than 30 films, meaning all students graduate armed with practical experience and an impressive showreel.
Dane’s advice to aspiring filmmakers is simple: get started now.
“Make things,” he says.
“The best way to learn filmmaking is by creating work you are passionate about. Passion is key.”