ART DIRECTION SERVICES

World-building with intent. Grit, polish, and precision—built from the lens out.

Dan Santoni is an Emmy and Academy Award-winning creative with a background that bridges photography, visual effects, immersive environments, and fine art. His approach to art direction is grounded in cinematic sensibility and sharpened by decades of hands-on experience in both practical and digital production spaces.

With a visual style shaped by the industrial landscapes of Detroit and refined in the creative expanse of Los Angeles, Dan’s work favors high-impact compositions, emotionally resonant palettes, and atmospheres that live just beneath the surface of the frame.

WHERE VISION MEETS PRODUCTION

From stylized sci-fi to grounded urban realism, Dan has contributed to large-scale productions, independent films, music videos, and immersive experiences, each informed by his strong sense of tone, texture, and camera-aligned design.

His background in lighting, photography, CG and post-production allows him to move fluidly between creative direction and production needs, bridging vision with practical execution.

Past projects include visual work on Game of Thrones (Seasons 5 & 6), Life of Pi, The Golden Compass, Blade Runner-inspired visuals for music and editorial photography, and experimental short-form content designed for projection and immersive staging.

SERVICES OFFERED

Art Direction for Screen & Stage

Designing for the frame and the space beyond it. Whether grounded or surreal, each visual environment is shaped with intention, narrative depth, and production-aware detail.

• Feature films and episodic series
• Music videos, live performance environments
• Immersive and experiential media
• Motion-based installations

Pre-Production Support

Early-stage planning is where visual storytelling begins. Through a blend of reference building, style development, and practical workflows, creative ideas are shaped into an executable vision.

• Mood boards, visual treatments, and look development
• Storyboarding and previs (Unreal Engine, Maya, AI workflows as needed)
• Conceptual development aligned to production scope and tone

On-Set Creative Supervision

Maintaining aesthetic intent during production requires both creative leadership and technical fluency. On set, Dan’s work focuses on translating concept to camera, while adapting in real time to shifting needs.

• Collaborative work with cinematographers, set designers, stylists, and post teams
• Floating and modular set composition for complex or stylized camera movement
• Visual continuity and execution oversight from prep through shoot

Hybrid Consulting & Direction

Not every project requires a full-time art director—but most projects benefit from the right guidance at the right time. Flexible consulting and visual strategy sessions are available for teams needing clarity, alignment, or quick-turn creative support.

• Available for standalone creative sessions
• Visual strategy and one-off concept guidance
• Support for productions seeking a cohesive aesthetic without full-time staffing

SPECIALTIES & STYLE

Dan’s signature lies in his ability to blend surrealism and structure. His visual influences include German expressionism, industrial minimalism, and bold, stylized color work.

With a deep understanding of practical lighting and digital effects pipelines, he moves fluidly between analog and digital, texture and polish. His creative foundation is informed by over 20 years in visual effects, with technical fluency in Maya, Nuke, Unreal Engine, Houdini (lighting and generalist work), After Effects, and Blender, allowing him to speak the language of every department he collaborates with.

COLLABORATION & PROCESS

Whether leading a team or integrating into an existing production structure, Dan brings a low-ego, solution-focused mindset to every project. The process typically includes early-stage concepting, reference and mood board development, and direct collaboration with department leads across art, lighting, and camera teams.

Dan’s approach varies by scale. High-budget, fast-paced productions receive structured workflows and layered approvals. Indie or agile projects benefit from flexible, creative-first solutions that deliver visual impact within tight constraints.

Remote and hybrid collaborations are available. However, most large-scale or practical-set productions are best served in person.

BOOKING & AVAILABILITY

Freelance, contract, and consulting engagements available. Dan is based in Los Angeles, but is available for both domestic and international productions. Get in touch today!