Get to Know our Member Spotlight: Daniel Fuentes

Meghan Dubitsky

Each month we highlight a Production Lot member through our Member Spotlights, which include a featured position on the Production Lot homepage and a Q&A to help the rest of our community get to know our Spotlight member better.

This month we’re highlighting Daniel Fuentes!

Meet Daniel Fuentes

Daniel Fuentes is a US-based actor and producer with over 40 years of experience in the industry. In college and during his career as a firefighter, Daniel worked crew jobs as a set medic and security before transitioning into acting full time after retirement. Daniel believes the more experience you have in all levels of filmmaking, the better you are in your role.

Ready to learn more about Daniel? Check out our Q&A with him below, and don’t be shy – Ask him a question in the comments!

Spotlight Q&A: Six Questions with Daniel

What inspired you to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?

I've always loved to perform and bring a smile and enjoyment to the audience regardless of the size. From when I started in the 1970s to working on commercials in college to training at NYU-Tisch after retiring from the fire service, it's always been about bringing a story to life.

What is something about your role you'd like people to know more about?

Decades ago, most professionals in the industry focused on their particular field of expertise. Actors were only interested in acting; writers only focused on writing. But now, regardless of your role, the better understanding you have of everyone's job on a set and the more you respect the entire filmmaking process, the better you’ll be in your role. Bottom line: never stop learning!

If you weren't in your current role, what other industry job would you like to have?

Dream job right now? Cinematographer. I'm fascinated by the complexities of blocking, framing, lighting, and everything about the job!

What advice do you have for people just starting out in the industry?

Best advice I received that I still adhere to is "never stop learning and always be polite." You never know which PA is going to be your boss!

How would you like to advance your career in the industry?

In the short term, I’m focused on getting into the PGA. I love the varied pressures of being a producer, plus you meet and learn from so many great people.

What is your favorite production or project you've worked on?

My favorite is my first A-List filled cast/crew film Far North produced and directed by the great Sam Shepard! It had a loaded cast and crew with Charles Durning, Sam Shepard, Jessica Lange, Tess Harper, Donald Moffat, Ann Wedgeworth and Patricia Arquette. It filmed in Minnesota when I was in college and I worked as security and transportation. It was a great experience, I learned so much.

Want a chance to be featured as a future Member Spotlight? It’s easy. Register for a Production Lot account, complete your member profile, then start engaging with the community!