Industry Testimonials

 

Dana is a master collaborator, a sure artistic eye, a reassuring influence, meticulous attention to the script, fantastic turn arounds, a great listener - she does it all with grace and kindness.  - Mary Neiderkorn

Dana Schoenfeld is a true actor’s director.  She is patient, thoughtful and is able to create a safe, creative, productive space for her cast and crew. She is open minded and a true collaborator.  – Sally Brooke

I had the pleasure of working alongside Dana from pre-production through post production of an entire season of a television series. She is a visionary storyteller, from the page as a writer to her limitless talent as a director and her beautiful performance in front of the camera. It was an honor to produce with her and also serve as a performer while she directed. She works tirelessly and her aim for perfection is an asset to everyone who works on her projects. She works harder than anyone and does it with grace and joy. There’s nothing she can’t do but most impressively she does it all with a keen eye, an open mind, and a passion for her many crafts. I would jump on any chance to work with her again and again. – Jolie Curtsinger Schwartz

From the first Zoom call to the final Director's Cut, Dana was kind, attentive, decisive and encouraging.  The script she wrote was beyond what I could have imagined, and I felt so safe and supported during our shoot.  She created an environment with specific details to our scene and gave us the freedom and time to explore our character's choices. 

Dana quickly and beautifully edited the final Director's Cut, I have to thank her for this wonderful experience she helped me create, because it 100% contributed to helping me acquire my first Manager!  I can't recommend Dana enough! - Laura Benson

Working with Dana has been nothing short of amazing. Dana's ability to write compelling scripts was truly impressive. One of the highlights of our collaboration was witnessing Dana's talent in crafting the sets for our shoot. The attention to detail and commitment to authenticity made every scene come alive. Dana's contribution to my project was invaluable. Her talent, efficiency, and commitment to clear communication made the entire experience not only productive but also enjoyable. - Gabi Del Morales

As a producer Dana has the rare ability to seamlessly find solutions for every challenge that inevitably comes up.  Her positive, collaborative attitude creates an environment in which actors and crew members thrive. As a director Dana has the ability to both give direction and offer freedom, allowing each actor's unique qualities and talent to emerge.  As an actor she is the same -- generous with her co-stars, allowing them to shine as much as she does. Dana's knowledge, talent and genuine giving spirit are evident on every project in which she is involved. I consider her a mentor, an inspiration and a multi-faceted creative genius and I look forward to working with her on more projects in the future. 

Julie Zelman

-Co Creator/ Co-Producer with Dana on the award-winning pilot, Divorce School

 

"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Dana on several occasions. She truly is a master of multitude aspects of filmmaking. As a scene partner, I love playing with her, and it is true play, witty back and forth, amazing comic timing; often with the incredible dialogue she has written for us, but then just a freedom to be spontaneous and play within the sandbox she creates. When she trusts you as an actor, there is nothing better. She knows how to create an ensemble piece and somehow give every actor/character a moment to shine. She knows exactly what she wants when she's running a set, but she always leaves space for magic to happen. And in the editing room, she knows how to sift through a great deal of material and find the golden moments. 

She'd be an asset to any set, in front of or behind the camera, in any writing or editing room, and just in your company. She loves creating and it shows in everything she does and in the relationships she cultivates."  - Jeanine Bartel

Dana is like a multi-talented painter that can literally take a blank canvas and add color, texture, feeling, she adds life to a blank canvas. . - Mitch Roberson

Dana is a wonderful collaborator.   As an actor, throughout the many times I have directed her, she has always been willing to take risks, both comedically and dramatically, to emotionally expose herself in ways that few actors dare to do.  Dana does this with humor and grace, and constantly applies her craft, not only to enhance her performances, but also the work of all those with whom she shares the stage.  As a writer, Dana has a unique ear for dialogue, and her stories always impart to us, a slice of the human condition.  She is also willing to receive critique, and apply that critique to her work.  As a director, Dana is adept at bringing out the best in her actors, in a simple, down to earth way, that gives each of her actors their own space to create.  She brings to her directorial work a calm presence, a keen intelligence, and joy.  She creates an environment of mutual trust and respect, and with a gentle hand, is able to mold each performance into a singular, cohesive vision.   As an editor, I have witnessed Dana work nothing short of miracles.  She is tireless in working toward the perfect moment and is relentless in finding the right choice in order to achieve that moment.   I have seen her work till the wee hours of the morning, with Dana powering through, only to meet the rising sun.  In every sense of the word, Dana is a true artist, and to be able to be a part of her work, is truly a gift.- Bruce Ornstein

I loved every minute of working with Dana. She is intelligent and precise in her direction and she really knows how to talk to actors, being an incredible actor herself. She knows what a scene needs and how to shape it, is keenly aware of your instincts, and uses them to help you deliver a very detailed performance. She is generous, funny, fiercely focused, patient and a great collaborator. I would work with her again in a heartbeat. - Marlene Wallace

Dana quickly crafted the PERFECT romantic comedy scene for me! She really got a sense of my energy and personality and created the funniest scene I could easily see on a TV show. Dana is a skilled director and makes you feel at ease on set, and as you can see in her work, she really pulls the best performances out of actors in a way that feels fun and collaborative. I laughed so much during my shoot, and I’m so happy with the scene - Alexander Klausner

'

Highly skilled, dedicated, good humored, and a master multi-tasker'

– Kaye Tuckerman

The process of working with Dana on this film was not only incredibly enjoyable, but her professionalism organization and very thoughtful directing truly made the project exceptional and our experience on set working with her was incredibly powerful. Later Dana and I continued to work together on several other projects, and I have to say that each and every experience was incredibly inspiring, creative and handled with true care and professionalism. I truly felt she was able to draw things from my performance as an actor that brought my performances to another level. I always felt in completely safe hands under Dana‘s talented eye. – Natalie Roy

“Dana is an authentic multi-hyphenate who has mastered the art of making it look easy. As an actor, she is electric onscreen — you can’t take your eyes off her. And she is a generous scene partner, compelling and collaborative. Her screenplays crack with lightening wit and grounded characters, so easy to sink into as an actor and so fun to watch unfold onscreen. Her sophisticated humor and love of human vulnerabilities leap off the page and onto the set. And finally, Dana’s compassion and clarity as a Director make you say yes to anything she’s building. Her sets are team oriented and story-focused. I’d leap at the chance to work with Dana again in any or all of these categories in which she excels. Dana is a gift to any set and any story she tells will delight.” – Ramona Floyd

Dana brings an extraordinary blend of talent, intuition, and heart to her work. As a writer, creator, producer, and director, she moves through each role with a seamless grace that elevates both the story and the actor. Dana is a rare and remarkable collaborator. I’m deeply grateful for the experience.   - Deanna Brittain

Dana’s writing skills are second to none. She’s a breeze to work with and the vibe is calm, creative, and fun. - Leigh Anne West

Dana is someone I’ve had the pleasure of working with multiple times and each time I’m impressed not only by the warmth and care she creates on her sets BUT how much spot on notes and adjustments! Dana is an actor’s director, being an actor herself, and someone who knows how to help get the right tone for any scene. - Anthony Simone

Dana is a collaborative partner from start to finish. Her sets are carefully curated down to the last detail, and she ran with my suggestions as well. Dana gathers total pros to the set and executes shoots with *your goals in mind, staying on schedule while still making room to play. I trusted her eyes, ears, and sensibilities and just relaxed and let fly. Her keen edit skills delivered the best of the bunch for engaging, sharp, scenes.

Dana was a dream to work with as a director on her comedy pilot "Divorce School." I felt like a spoiled diva that had free reign to play and explore my character. It was such a fun and relaxed shoot and that so flows from Dana and her open heart! I loved the script and was thrilled to be a part of her world.– Jane Dashow

LOVE working with Dana and would work with her literally anytime, anywhere. As a director, she has a way of bringing out the best in her actors. She loves to see where your creative imagination wants to take you and helps you get in touch with it like no one I’ve ever seen. Yes, Dana gives you the freedom to try different things, but it’s beyond that.  It's like she senses what will work for you and then gives you specific direction to help unleash it. She sees your potential, your instincts, your impulses, almost before you do.  She sees the spark as well as the flame that they can become, and she helps you ignite the flame. It’s fantastic. Magic. Dana is the consummate actor’s director, and that’s a fact. – Stephanie Weppler

I enjoyed working and learning from Dana as her co-star on a streaming series. She is effortless in her character work as she is a generous and intuitive co-star. I've also had the pleasure to work with her on her own pilot series. As a director, writer, and producer, Dana is determined, perceptive, and communicates her intentions in a clear and concise manner. She is expansive and has a great work ethic. I love her passion and love for the craft, and I look forward to working with her again in the future! - Woodlene Alexis