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Welcome to our studio! We are thrilled you are joining us. You are trusting us with your most precious resource - your time. At Pastime Pictures, we believe a great story can enhance your life and ignite your aspirations. Whether you are enjoying a trip to the silver screen or watching from the comfort of your home, the experience should always be meaningful. We craft timeless stories with care, each one made for you to engage with, share, and revisit. We deliver experiences worthy of your attention, because your time is deserving of ours.
Pastime Pictures was conceived while Dan and John were working together as Production Assistants (PA's). Contained in our name is "PA's Time," a constant reminder that every member of the production is an artist with intrinsic creative value. A “pastime” is meant to be enjoyed; a sentiment echoing our deep love for filmmaking. Our hand drawn banner further demonstrates our dedication to fine craftsmanship in everything we do. The clock in our logo strikes midnight, simultaneously representing today and tomorrow. Pastime Pictures is committed to honoring the artistry of the past, while looking forward to an exciting and innovative future.
Dan McDonough and John Blanford meet on the set of the Fox television series, Sleepy Hollow, igniting a lifelong friendship. Coming up together as Assistant Directors, they honed the skills necessary to lead a film crew, with a devotion to quality workflow and efficiency.
The company gets its name, "Pastime Pictures", paying homage to the founders' roots as production assistants (PA's). A logo concept is drafted by Co-Founder, Dan McDonough.
A business plan is drafted, setting up the foundation of the company. The mission to craft timeless stories becomes the company backbone.
An LLC is officially formed, allowing Pastime Pictures to pursue original content with a focus on stories that are rewarding, meaningful, and timeless.
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The brand identity is shaped by a strong value for craftsmanship. The logo is finalized and the company introduction book is published.
The website goes live. Pastime Pictures continues to develop and invest in feature films. The founders focus on creating experiences with lasting impressions that encourage continued engagement while honoring the stories of our audience, our artists, and our collaborators.
Pastime Pictures goes into production on their first feature film, "Boys of Summer" in Southport, North Carolina.
At just nine years old, Dan became captivated by Alfred Hitchcock’s, The Birds. As someone who was easily scared by films, his dad reassured him, “It’s the movies... they can do anything.” Not long after that, a local broadcast of, The Making of Jurassic Park changed his life. What started as a journey to develop the courage to watch PG-13 movies, translated into a lifelong curiosity with the magic of filmmaking. Dan became obsessed with cinema and the practical science behind how movies were made. His passion for visual mediums has translated into a diverse background in film, animation, illustration, and photography. Eventually becoming a member of The Directors Guild of America, Dan would work on a broad array of productions including Jungle Cruise, Wanda Vision, Shazam!: Fury of the Gods and Venom. With proven skills in management, organization, and leadership this background has given him an insightful perspective into the industry and how it can further develop. As a Producer, Dan challenges Pastime Pictures to create content that will inspire the next generation of filmmakers, by capturing the same sense of awe that compelled his own career.
While filming his first movie in fifth grade, John sustained a concussion and a broken arm after attempting a poorly conceived “stunt.” This did not stop him from rallying his friends and finishing the project. Despite the comically abrupt appearance of a blue cast in the edit, debuting the project was beyond gratifying. The joy he felt inspired him to make a positive difference in the world through film. After a year in the graduate program at Loyola Marymount University, John landed a summer internship on a network television series, Sleepy Hollow. This opportunity introduced him to professional production on a scale he had only imagined. He chose to forgo his Master’s Degree to pursue entry into the Directors Guild of America. As an Assistant Director, he has worked on a wide variety of projects across many genres including Free Guy, Tag, Bad Boys for Life and The Fablemans. His ultimate vision for Pastime Pictures is to fulfill his fifth grade dream: to change the world one story at a time.
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