BIO
Born in a suburb of LA, Don was the eldest son of a well known gospel singer and spent the better part of his childhood on a tour bus. Showing an early talent for Puppetry, young Don was on stage, night after night, performing comedy ventriloquism at his Dad’s concerts. He also had a gift for music and found his way into empty concert venues by day, where he began creating his own piano compositions.
But the film bug bit hard one Saturday in 1977 when Don saw Star Wars on the big screen. From that moment it was all about Film and Film Music. The musical scores of John Williams and Jerry Goldsmith became the soundtrack of life. Early attempts at filmmaking came with the advent of the home video camera. Fake UFO sightings, Lego Spaceship launches, Rubber Monsters vomiting ketchup and Cat Videos - way before their time - were common fare at the Dartt household.
In college, Don’s Senior Thesis, a 30 minute Sci-Fi/Comedy entitled Through The Vortex, was awarded Highest Achievement In Video Production. After graduating Don's path led to work at various TV stations, an eight year gig as a nationally touring comedian and recording artist, and eventual work in high-end film and TV production.
In 2008 Don joined the staff at the world’s largest faith-based TV network, TBN. He eventually rose to the position of General Manager and Production Head at the network's Nashville Studios. While at the network, Don helped develop signature programming for the flagship TBN, JUCE-TV and children’s network SMILE. He produced and directed internationally broadcast Music Specials, Talk Shows, Music Videos, cinematic Promotional Spots, the comedy kid series LadsTV and several seasons of the award winning sitcom iShine KNECT.
He also wrote and directed two independent films; Choices, for The Jason Foundation and a documentary feature, The God On The Mountain Legacy for Dartt Media Group. He also composed the musical scores for both films.
In 2014 Don left his post as GM to pursue contract film and television work and to develop his own Screenplays and Films. Since then he directed the Pilot for the series Running, multiple season of The Music City Show and several episodes of the concert series LIVE at Daywind.
He's also collaborated with such talent as Dolly Parton, Ricky Skaggs, Keith & Kristyn Getty, Matt Papa & Matt Boswell, author Chip Dodd, and created content for organizations such as NBC Sports, Getty Music, Bema Media, Solo Parent Society, Daywind, Scott Godsey & Associates, NRBTV and SingingNewsTV.
FILMMAKER WRITER / DIRECTOR