Founded in 2007, Walk in the Park Pictures, LLC, specializes in innovative storytelling and professional, broadcast-quality productions. Experienced in working with HD & film, the company was established by international award-winning filmmakers, focused on creating independent films, television programs, music videos, commercials and industrials.
Creative Director Dan A. R. Kelly
Dan earned his BFA from UNC-School of the Arts for Film Directing in 2001 and is currently pursuing his MFA in Screenwriting at Hollins University. He has won awards and recognition with National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts; Scholastic, Inc.; the Cannes International Film Festival; the Cape Fear Independent Film Festival; the 48 Hour Film Project; Project Breakout; South Carolina Theater Association; Southeastern Theater Conference; and others. Dan's career as an actor has included lead roles in many films, television programs, commercials and industrials. Dan has also worked behind-the-camera as an Assistant Director, Casting Associate, Script Supervisor, PA or Editor on feature films like The 5th Quarter and Stalemate; television programs like "Bridezillas," "Madhouse," "Starting Strong," "Main Street Mysteries," "Southern Fried Stings" and "Beautifully Departed;" and numerous commercials.
Technical Director Matthew Mandarano
Matthew graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a B.A. in Media Studies, Film and Video Production Concentration in 2006. Since graduating, he has worked on projects that have aired on MTV, TLC and PBS; shot commercials and promotional content for such entities as TIME.com, Brave New Films, Marriott International, UNC-Greensboro, Maggiano's Little Italy and Glen Raven, Inc., among many others; and shot an array of award-winning short films that have been screened and won accolades at a multitude of various festivals and competitions. Currently, in addition to his work with Walk in the Park Pictures, Matthew serves as the resident Director of Photography on a media team for UNC-Greensboro's Office of Online Learning where he shoots all the in-house educational and marketing content for the division, in addition to certain projects for the university at large.
Artistic Associate Shane Smith
Shane is pursuing his undergraduate degree in Digital Design at UNC-Greensboro. Accomplished with editing and digital effects, Shane has worked on WitP productions like "Banks of the Vltava," "Queen's Gambit," "Beyond the Door," and several commercials. He has also worked for TruTV's "Southern Fried Stings" and the pilot "Beautifully Departed." Shane's animated short film "Wishing Well" will be available soon.
