EP 110: Personal Stories, Universal Impact with Director/Writer Dean Leon Anderson

Dean Leon Anderson's passion for filmmaking ignited at the age of six when he spent a summer binge-watching an extensive VHS collection at his child minder’s home. From 'Back to the Future' to 'Ghostbusters', those formative films left an indelible mark on him, and a lifelong journey into storytelling began. Dean, born in London, has carved out a unique space in the film industry, specializing in personal narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide. His deep connection to film drives him to create stories that are not only visually compelling but also grounded in raw, authentic emotion. 

Since launching his production company, Velvet Gold Pictures, in 2012, Dean has directed five short films and is currently focused on his debut feature-length film, 'Jasper'. His short films have premiered at prestigious BAFTA and Oscar-qualifying festivals, including Encounters and the St. Louis International Film Festival, where his latest work, 'The Mediator', starred Daniel Portman of 'Game of Thrones'. With early-stage development funding from BFI NETWORK and the recognition of multiple award nominations, Dean's work continues to challenge norms and push the boundaries of narrative storytelling. 

Dean’s journey in filmmaking has been anything but conventional. With no initial contacts in the industry, he forged his path by assisting fellow filmmakers and absorbing every ounce of knowledge he could. His breakthrough moment came when he shadowed director Yann Demange on the set of 'Top Boy'. That experience, coupled with the mentorship of seasoned filmmakers, ignited his drive to raise the bar for his own work. This ethos of self-investment and resilience has kept Dean on an upward trajectory despite the many challenges he has faced, including navigating the complexities of funding and producing films on tight budgets. 

In addition to his work as a writer and director, Dean is an active member of BAFTA Connect and a recipient of the Film & TV Charity’s Reel Impact Fund, recognizing his contribution to amplifying diverse voices in the industry. His perseverance and dedication to his craft have earned him a spot in the prestigious Momentum program, where he receives support for his first feature film. With 'Jasper' and other projects in the pipeline, Dean’s passion for creating original, personal stories ensures that audiences will continue to experience thought-provoking and boundary-pushing films for years to come. 

Dean Leon Anderson's Website: http://www.deanleonanderson.com/

Dean Leon Anderson IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5896433/

Dean Leon Anderson's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deanleonanderson/

Dean Leon Anderson's Twitter: https://x.com/mrdlanderson

Dean Leon Anderson's Twitter: https://vimeo.com/user4244324