Cannes Market Dailies

Dan Reardon was raised with a camera documenting the incredible landscape and peoples of South Africa, Thailand and the Philippines. He attended the Syracuse University Visual Performing Art School majoring in Film and Acting. Dan currently lives in New York City and focus’s his time identifying genre agnostic stories to produce into films with three simple requirements - the stories must be very entertaining, the budgets have to make sense, and your potential partners should be like minded as you are going to know and deal with them for the rest of your life.

In a recent interview with Dan Reardon, here is what he had to say:

How did you get into producing films? Did you always know it's what you want to do?

DAN: When I was a child my parents took me to see a James Bond film and that was it for me. I announced at the dinner table that night that I was to become a film producer. My father was also into photography and I developed an interest in camera’s at an early age. I completed my first film in high school. It’s just something that switched on inside of me from a very early age. 

You have a background in finance. Can you tell us how you got into film finance?

DAN: After college I opened a photo studio above a real estate office on Newbury Street in Boston. One thing led to another and suddenly I am selling and financing both commercial and residential real estate. This experience taught me all about debt and equity financing. I highly recommend that new filmmakers learn the math of financing as making movies is easy - all you need is the money. Get money.

You've worked on a number of films as a producer. Is there one you're most proud of?

DAN: That’s a complicated question. I am proud of all of my films. My high school film - it was my first experience with an audience roaring in laughter and cheering me on. The audience reaction to your work is such a rush - I still vividly remember the moment. 

It seems that you like to produce romantic comedies. Is that your favorite genre? And what have been some of your all time favorites that have influenced you and your career?

DAN: I like all genres. In regard to Rom Com’s - "Harold and Maude", "Something's Gotta Give", "The Apartment" and "Notting Hill". They all have a combination of light & dark humor, tragedy, adventure and fantasy - all the ingredients for a perfect meal.

Many sellers say that Romantic Comedies don't sell well. But you've found a niche in it. What makes a successful RomCom?

DAN: The characters have to be engaging - if they are tragic or charming or witty or sexy- push everything over the top. You need to take the audience on a ride they will never forget and most importantly - there must be conflict.Conflict is the mother of all cinema. 

Your most recent film “Maggie Moore(s)” was at the 76^th annual Cannes market. Can you tell us something about the film without spoiling it?

DAN: “Maggie Moore(s)” is a cross genre film - there are elements of Rom Com folded into a crime thriller. It’s very "Cohen Brothers”. I have had people weep at the end - It’s a touching story that works on many different levels. Great for couples. 

Do you have an anecdote from the making of “Maggie Moore(s)”?

DAN: The worst moment was … on October 21, 2021, at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Bonanza City, New Mexico, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot and director Joel Souza was injured on the set of the film “Rust” when a live round was discharged from a revolver used as a prop by actor Alec Baldwin. We were shooting “Maggie Moore(s)” in Albuquerque New Mexico that day and our entire cast & crew was just stunned by the event as most everyone knew someone involved with that production. Many of us went to the memorial services. We subsequently banned the use of “Blank” rounds on our set and opted for post production special effects to simulate the muzzle blast of gunshots. 

You attended Cannes this year. Why is it so important for producers and industry professionals to attend markets like Cannes every year?

DAN: Yes. I try to go to Cannes, Tribeca, TIFF, AFM, and Berlin every year. It’s important to be seen and see what’s happening. Meeting new people, exchanging ideas, screening new films it’s all essential for me.

Your film premiered at 2023 Tribeca . How have audiences reacted to the film? And how can they see it?

DAN: The Audience loved “Maggie Moore(s)”. We released the film June 15th, and it’s currently available as a VOD Download. Hulu acquired the streaming rights and will platform the film later this fall. 

What will you be working on next?

DAN: I have a few films in development. One I am particularly fond of is called "THICKER" - as in "blood is thicker than water". It’s about a brother & sister who fight over their inheritance. It’s wicked. 

Interview by Vanessa McMahon