Initially pursuing a career in creative writing, Daniel Sanz spent several years studying the art of screenplays and the structure of narative film. He enrolled in Florida Atlantic University with the desire to take his writing to the next level. While attending, Daniel stumbled across the video and television program and was instantly addicted. Learning various techincal aspects and techniques, he decided to pursue a career that would combine both his love for writing and the art of production.

He spent early efforts experimenting with 2D, 3D, and stop motion animation. Furthering his education at the University, he studied fictional, documentary, and experimental filmmaking. He was also hired by the campus television studio where he met fellow Fade 2 Black Productions, Inc. founder, Zachery Powell. In 2000 Daniel established Chameleon Pictures, a small company that offered video production services. As with Zachery, Daniel also began doing freelance production work for Dolphin Stadium for various sporting events.

Daniel graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 2002 and decided to focus his full efforts on building Fade 2 Black Productions, Inc. with the goal of producing original projects for domestic and foreign distribution. He led production work on short film Paul and Young Ron’s Dead Air which screened at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. He is committed to helping Fade 2 Black Productions, Inc. reach all of it’s goals.

Zachery Powell brings an array of techincal knowledge and expertise to Fade 2 Black Productions, Inc. Zachery attended Florida Atlantic University where he picked up employment in the television studio maintaining equipment and providing technical direction to university productions. He also constructed a control room that would be used to broadcast classes statewide to other campuses for graduate training.

Zachery continued to build experience with freelance production work on independent films and major league sporting events. In 2000, Zachery founded Rock Under Stuff Productions, offering video services for the university and individuals. He worked on joint ventures with Chameleon Pictures run by Daniel Sanz until 2001 when they merged their efforts and formed Fade 2 Black Productions, Inc.

Upon graduating from Florida Atlantic University in 2002, Zachery devoted himself full time to cultivating Fade 2 Black Productions, Inc. into a full service production house. He led the production of two high end training videos for Dolphin Stadium as well as the award winning short, Sniper. He remains dedicted to seeing Fade 2 Black Productions, Inc. become one of the fastest growing production companies in the film and video industry.

The Early Years:

Originally from Ft Lauderdale Tony’s family packed up and relocated to New Jersey in the early 80s. As a freshmen in High school he took a TV101 class and from that point had a new found appreciation for the visual arts. Always self motivated he had his parents purchase him a video camera which he would take everywhere. His first projects were 3-5 minute music montages with his skateboarding buddies as the talent. By the end of his Sophomore year he had made up his mind to pursue the TV and video profession and from that point geared his schooling in that direction.

The College Years:
While attending a local college in Jersey Tony sees a commercial for The Art Institute in Fort Lauderdale. Not only does the trade school offer intense hands on training in the video business but it is also 1,100 miles away from New Jersey. South Florida is going to be the next Hollywood a former teacher and friend tells him. So with very little thought he heads back to where he had always considered home.

The Music Years:
After graduating in 92 he formed the industrial rock band Nation of Fear with former Marilyn Manson member Brian Tutunick. The bands popularity landed them a record deal and within months he was entertaining the masses across the country. With that experience Tony came away with a wealth of knowledge from the technical and business side of the music industry.

In 1999 after the disbanding of N.O.F and an eight year hiatus from video work, Tony refocused his efforts to Television. He gets his first break in broadcast sports through an old friend from the Art Institute days Louis Laporte and his career snowballs from there. Honing his skills in broadcast TV Tony brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, from Audio, Lighting, Shooting, etc his addition is certainly an asset to the Fade 2 Black organization.

Mario P. Figueroa is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the video production industry. He graduated from high school at seventeen with vocational honors as a television and radio technician. He then moved to Dallas Texas in the early 1980’s where he enrolled at video technical institute and achieved duel A.S. degrees in video production and video electronics. In the 1990’s he worked for Palm Beach County Television Station Channel 20 as a Production Assistant. In this capacity, he won various awards for shooting and producing commercials in addition to collaborating on several television shows.

Currently, Mario works freelance as a wireless high definition cameraperson for Landshark Stadium home of the NFL Miami Dolphins football team and the MLB World Champions Florida Marlins baseball team. Mario enjoys framing shots with a creative eye and capturing the spirit and the ambience of the moment.

Mario P. Figueroa has been a production supervisor with Fade 2 Black Productions since they opened their doors in 2001.