NYWIFT Blog

By Linden Standish

Welcome to NYWIFT, Danielle Bancroft!

Danielle Bancroft is a recent Chapman University graduate who earned a BFA in Film Production, with an emphasis in Production Design and a minor in Entrepreneurship. 

Throughout her undergrad years, Danielle was able to design many short films including her thesis, Protégé, where she was able to build 1950s French ateliers utilizing her schools scene shop and sound stage. In addition to building sets, Danielle co-founded The Portal Productions, a student-led non-profit dedicated to getting students real world experience while providing small businesses in Orange County with affordable media production. 

Danielle was also a stylist intern at Macy’s, working on print, digital, and video ads, and she recently went back to work as an assistant stylist for the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. 

With her entrepreneurial spirit and natural creativity, Danielle is excited to assist designers with anything from solving logistical issues to fabricating furniture, props, or set pieces.

NYWIFT Member Danielle Bancroft

Could you give our readers a brief introduction to yourself? 

Hi there! My name is Danielle Bancroft, I’m a recent graduate from Chapman University with a BFA in Film Production and a minor in Entrepreneurship! During my undergrad, I was able to work on numerous films in almost all production roles, but found a love for Production Design, and was able to work on seven short films as the designer. My most recent project, Protégé, allowed me to design and build a two-room set which we shot in for the entire six day production.

In addition to designing films, I co-founded a non-profit creative agency called The Portal Productions with the goal of providing hands-on experience to students while democratizing media production for small businesses in Orange County, CA.

I recently moved to New York to pursue a career in production design, and am ready to assist production designers with 3D drafting, set design, set dressing, or as an art department assistant! 

What brought you to NYWIFT? 

I was drawn to join NYWIFT as a Next Wave member because I am looking to learn from other women in the industry who are excited to build a community. As a recent grad, and being new to the city, NYWIFT seemed like the perfect place to start my journey.

Could you tell me about The Portal Productions, and your role creating it?

In the beginning of junior year, I was in a finance class learning about marketing budgets being overlooked by many small business owners because often there are more urgent needs to prioritize. At the same time, I was designing a short film and could appreciate the struggle of funding a production, and why a small company might not want to spend standard industry rates on a video they feel they could make for less, even if the quality suffered.

I was also applying for internships at the time, and while talking to my peers, I realized we all needed real-world experience to stand out and get the internships we wanted, but had no time, access to equipment, or the connections to do so. This led me and two other friends to create The Portal Productions, a non-profit dedicated to democratizing media production for small businesses in Orange County, while providing hands-on experiences for students who want to learn how to work with real clients.

I ran the company as a Co-Founder and the Director of Operations, initially securing $10k in angel investment, our first seven clients, and generating $27k in revenue in the first eight months. Since the inception of The Portal Productions, over 55 students have been able to gain real agency to client experiences.

The Portal Productions is fully a student-led legacy company, meaning upon graduation, I stepped down so another could learn the invaluable skills I was able to develop. 

How has your business experience and creative orientation merged? 

I was able to merge my business sense with my creative orientation through entrepreneurship. I find the skills needed to be a designer translate to those needed to be an entrepreneur. Similarly to film, starting a business is creative problem-solving, time and budget management, and working with a team towards a shared goal. Now as a freelancer, I represent myself utilizing what I learned working in both industries.

What initially compelled you towards the film industry? 

Like many others, I started in theater building sets for my high school performances. I got the opportunity to go to London to work on Henry V and was able to tour the National Theatre. When I saw the National’s scene shop, I immediately knew I needed to listen to my gut and pursue set design. After being on set for the first time freshman year of college, I knew the film industry was for me.

What are the challenges of being an intermediary between creative ambitions and logistic demands? 

Everyone can appreciate the stress of time and money, what you wish was possible, and what can actually succeed given the restrictions. I am fueled by navigating the creative process, finding the gaps, and filling them with quality solutions. Due to time and cost constraints, the challenge for me is bridging what creative wants, with what production can realistically support. 

Are there any projects you are currently working on or would like to explore in the future? 

I recently was able to work on my first short film in NYC as the Art Director! I am very happy to be back on set, meeting filmmakers, and creating something we can all be proud of. In addition to that, I am assisting a producer who’s in the development stage of his upcoming feature film, and I was an assistant stylist for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

I am very thankful for every opportunity that has informed me of a different part of the creative process, because in the end, it all helps me become a better designer. Now, I’m looking forward to being on set, designing, and saying yes to the opportunities that come my way!

Connect with Danielle on Instagram at @danielle.bancroft, her website daniellebancroft.com, and LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/daniban

(All photos courtesy of Danielle Bancroft)