Today we’d like to introduce you to David M. Weiss.
Hi David M., please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was a landscape painter with gallery representation until the financial crisis of 2008, when most of the galleries closed. Fortunately, I owned a small graphic sign business and was able to go back to school to study web design. During that time, I took a class called Moving Image Lab, and I instantly knew that video production and filmmaking were what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
After earning my degree in animation and production, I launched my own production company. I was fortunate to create a short viral clip about voice-over artist Jon Taylor, which caught the attention of the Kansas City Chiefs’ radio broadcast team. They asked me to produce a piece for them, which led to an opportunity to shoot a pilot for MTV called Backstage Confidential. At the time, it was being developed to replace Made, but when the executive producer moved to another network, the show was dropped. I repurposed the pilot and sent it to advertising agencies, which helped me start building relationships and working regularly in the ad world.
At the same time, I began creating short narrative films and documentaries. I was heavily influenced by the Omaha Film Festival, which gave me a platform to showcase unique work and grow creatively. Since then, I’ve produced several award-winning narrative and documentary films.
I’ve also found a niche working with non-profit organizations, including Boys Town. I’m drawn to emotionally driven, inspiring stories, and the non-profit world has given me a meaningful outlet to use my skills to make a difference.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a business is never easy, especially in the beginning. I’ve always believed that if I focus on creating great work, the clients will come, and over time, that approach has served me well. That said, there were certainly lean periods. Fortunately, I still had the graphic sign business to help bridge the gaps while I built up my production company.
I’ve been self-employed since I was twenty-one, and one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how to ride the ups and downs of inconsistent revenue. Over time, as I built a strong base of clients, the business became more stable.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In 2017, I created a narrative short film called KAP, which means “kite” in Haitian. The film aimed to raise awareness about child slavery in Haiti. I co-wrote the story with Jason Levering and filmed it in my spare time while doing charity production work for GoServ Global in Haiti.
My personal mission statement is to tell stories in a beautiful way that facilitates growth and awareness about and for humanity. KAP was well received and helped give a voice to the voiceless.
My latest work is The RoseMan of Omaha, an inspiring documentary about Dean Battiato, a Sicilian-American man living on the autism spectrum. Known as “The RoseMan,” Dean sells roses across Omaha, spreading love while struggling to find it for himself. Despite facing cancer, bullying, and violence, his remarkable gifts—such as a mastery of numbers and a deep passion for Sicilian genealogy—continue to thrive. His story is a powerful exploration of identity, resilience, and the beauty often hidden behind society’s judgments.
The film won the Audience Choice Award at the Omaha Film Festival and Best Documentary at the Golden Door International Film Festival. As with all my work, my goal is to help others be seen and heard.
What matters most to you? Why?
I think, as my work has shown, it’s really about helping others. Both of my parents were teachers, and they instilled in me a love for people and the importance of accepting others where they are. Their motto was that anyone who wanted to grow deserved support—and they were always there to help. In many ways, I try to carry that forward through my work by shining a light on stories and issues that people often overlook or choose not to see.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dmweissproductions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmweiss/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dmweissproductions
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-m-weiss-10155420/
