Dan Stewart
June 9, 2020
Dan Stewart (2020)
Dan Stewart (aka “Stew”) is a go-getter. A workhorse. A passionate madman of the craft that wears many hats. On set, in the field, or in a pinch – Dan will write the script, direct the set, work the camera, and edit it all together while putting out a fire. He is an award-winning storyteller and entertainer at heart that loves coffee, peanut butter, and Spielberg a little too much. He specializes in creating short films, event recaps, and social promos. If you need someone to travel, invite challenge, and crank out a powerful narrative – Dan is the guy you call.
What year did you graduate and what was your concentration?
I graduated in December 2014 with a BA in Communication (Public Communication) and Business Administration (Marketing).
What extra-/co-curricular activities did you do?
I worked at the Truman Media Network as Executive Producer/Anchor/Reporter for TMN Television as well as on KTRM (88.7 FM) as the host of the “Nerd Nation” specialty show.
I was also the President of the Advertising & Public Relations Organization, a member of Pi Kappa Phi, Alpha Kappa Psi, and winner of BMOC 2010.
Dan (center) and the news team on set in TMN-TV’s studio (2012).
Did you go to grad school? If so, where? Was it immediately after you left Truman or did you wait? Why?
Nope. Not this guy.
What was your first job after graduation?
I’m still working at the same advertising agency, though the name keeps changing – formerly known as Fusion Marketing, now 160over90. I joined as a Creative Intern that edited video and wrote copy but was hired on as a Jr. Copywriter.
Dan on the sideline at a Chiefs game (2019).
What work do you do/What are you doing now?
Once production work outweighed my copywriting responsibilities, we created a more specific video-related title for me, and we began to build up a video team. Now, after five years in the trenches, I’m a Sr. Content Developer. I handle all aspects of pre-production, on-set production and post-production. My work is split between producing branded social content, short films and event-related showcases for mostly alcohol and liquor brands. When in the office, I’m either ideating video projects, developing scripts and treatments, or editing and supervising post-production. When I’m out in the field, I’ll direct or work the camera, from closed studio sets to beachside music festivals and private cruises.
How has your Liberal Arts/COMM education helped you?
When I was at Truman, I just wanted to get involved and make a name for myself. I felt like a sponge, absorbing every opportunity and influence that I could. And being able to parallel both a degree in business and communication effectively allowed me to build up the experience and confidence needed to pursue a dream job in an industry that I craved to join. The multi-media exposure I received from the COMM department clubs and organizations, specifically my experience with TMN Television and KTRM, provided a foundation that’s defined my storytelling career.
Which class did you dislike at the time you took it, but now you’re grateful you took it?
I don’t know if I have a great answer for this one, but when I enrolled for the Art and Science of Humor, I never imagined I’d conjure up the worst stand up performance of my life. However, the journey and humiliation I endured provided public speaking failures and learnings that I’m grateful to have explored.
What was your greatest accomplishment at Truman?
So, I have to at least give a shout out to the transformation of “News 36” to “TMN Television.” I was damn proud to finally run that news team and introduce a variety of news and entertainment content, especially with the comradery and sense of excitement surrounding our projects. And at the end of it all, I was heartbroken to leave it all behind.
Dan calling the shots as Executive Producer in the TMN-TV control room (2013).
With that said, I don’t know if there was any other accomplishment that was quite as impactful to me as winning Big Man on Campus as a freshman, beating out all the older competition. Those few successful moments on stage entertaining the entirety of Baldwin gave me the courage to keep on keeping on.
Dan and a an NFL player at a Super Bowl party (2019).
Why is Truman a good place for a student to study?
Truman is large enough to get lost, but small enough to find yourself. You can fit in, or cruise, or defy and exceed, but to successfully tackle this school, you have to take it all in. The range of classes, social experiences and work opportunities – you can mold it all into your brief four-year stint that will no-doubt define your passions, pursuits and work ethic. I think Truman provides the opportunity for anyone to go all in.
What would you say a COMM student should absolutely do while at Truman?
Join the Truman Media Network and expand it. Meet different people, understand different stories, gain new perspectives. Challenge yourself and challenge others to bring something real to life. Cover something offbeat, make a new thing. I think TMN is an outlet that gives you a voice and helps you break character. And also – when you’re 21, you should absolutely have a beer or two with one of your COMM professors at Dukum.
What advice would you give someone who wants to go into the same line of work as you?
Impress yourself first and prepare for rewrites. Pitch a story that feels right to you, edit it together to the best of your ability and then accept and challenge critiques. Storytelling is timeless, but it’s important to observe what others are doing in the field and in pop culture and learn how to be as effective.
Dan (behind the camera) setting up a shot for work (2019).
What do you miss most about campus/Kirksville?
Besides the Buffalo Ranch Fries from the SUB, Baby Ronzas from Pagliai’s, and the Greek Corner, I’d have to say I miss the Thursday nights.
What tag line would you create for the COMM department at Truman?
How about “Create Meaning.”? Maybe “Defy to Define.”?
If you could come back to Truman and teach a class for a semester, what would be its title and what would it be about?
It would either be TV & Film 101 or Narrative Composition, discussing the basics of on-set production and effective storytelling – stressing that everything is a matter of frames. We’d also break down scenes from shows and movies to discuss narrative intent and success. Dissecting Mad Men episodes and movies like Jurassic Park would obviously be required.
What did we not ask that you think is important for people to know?
I work with a lot of individuals who were trained traditionally in film and art schools whereas my background and skillset stems from editing news stories. There’s not one way to ladder up to this job, nor any job, but I do think trial by fire is the best way to learn because experience is what unlocks the doors. You’ve never done something until you do it.
Dan (with the shirt and tie) skydiving for a TMN-TV news story (2014).
Here is a sample of Dan’s work he did for the Kansas City Chiefs and Bud Light:
If you would like to learn more of Dan’s story, you can follow him on Instagram or Vimeo.