Meet Dasiana Preston | Writer, Director, Producer, and Actress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dasiana Preston and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dasiana, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Ever since I can remember, I have wanted to be in the arts. As a child, I was featured on national television shows including “The Tonight Show” for being known as The Whiz Kid. On television, I would identify countries, planets, states and capitals, and spell words that are extremely difficult for a child. It was on one of my television show appearances that I met Blair Underwood who offered me a role in a film with him and Halle Berry. Although that film did not pan out, my love for the arts and entertainment did not die. I continued to perform on stages across the DFW metroplex in high school and resumed performing once I graduated college. While I have been interested in writing, directing, and producing my own content since I was about 12 years old, this year, I finally took the leap to make it happen. I am so happy to be able to tell my own stories and give myself and my collaborators the chance to share our talents with the world. I believe it is my God-given purpose to have a career in entertainment.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Writing has always come naturally to me. I have wanted to tell stories for as long as I can remember. I remember writing one of my first scripts with my sister as a child, and I have been writing ever since. I love telling stories of strong, empowered people who are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in.

I think what sets me apart from others is that I want to make art and entertainment more accessible to those who want to be a part of this industry. If I want someone to be a part of one of my productions, it’s because I see something special in them, and I want them to be a part of my vision. It doesn’t matter the length of their resume or whether or not they have a demo reel or agent, I just want to work with people who love storytelling as much as I do.

I am most proud of making my directorial debut with my first short film “Hey Girly.” I am so happy to be able to call myself a filmmaker. Taking the risk and making this film really paid off. It is now in the festival circuit, and I can’t wait for the rest of the world to see it.

I got to where I am today professionally by never giving up. I have spent a lot of time auditioning for various projects and not getting callbacks, but that is what pushed me to create my own content. I now know that I am capable of telling my own stories and paving the way for myself in this industry. I am so excited that I have the chance to use my God-given talents in this industry to fulfill my purpose on this earth.

I want the world to know that I am not just trying to be another celebrity director. I tell genuine stories that affect all people. As I said earlier, I just want to remove roadblocks in this industry and help talented people share their content with the world. It doesn’t always have to be about who you know, but who you are.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Dallas has some of the best restaurants in the world, so I would definitely have to take my friend to as many as possible. We would hit up Hampton Social, XOXO Dining Room, North Italia, and Pappadeaux.

We would definitely visit the Arts District to see the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center.

I would take them shopping at North Park Mall and the Galleria.

I also love Dallas’s parks, so we would go to Klyde Warren Park and Lakeside Park.

One of my favorite areas in Dallas is the AT&T Discovery District, so we would definitely spend time there and visit the Exchange.

Depending on what time of year it is, we would also have to catch a Dallas Mavericks game.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, I have to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who has blessed me with the talents of writing, directing, producing, and acting, etc. Everything that I have is because of Him. I want to thank my mom who taught me how to write at age one and was responsible for first helping me get on television as a child. Her sacrifice and support have been astounding. She even has a role in my directorial debut! 🙂 I also want to thank my dad, sister, and my extended family members for their support throughout my endeavors. My high school drama, piano, dance, and violin teachers helped me hone my crafts, and I am grateful to them. My college professor Dr. Gregory Grimes was a huge supporter of my writing in his class and told me I would have no problem writing a dissertation for a PhD. I also appreciate local directors who have allowed me to be a part of their productions. Finally, I want to thank my “Hey Girly” collaborators Bri McKay, Galileo Segura, Brenda Cedillo, Senecca S. Preston (my mom), Senecca L. Preston (my sister), Paul Michael O’Connor, Harleigh Nelson, Tim Bubel, and Devo Pinili for taking a chance on a first-time director and for sharing their amazing talents with me.

Instagram: @IAmDasiana and @HeyGirlyFilm

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeyGirlyFilm

Image Credits
Senecca S. Preston
Paul Michael O’Connor