Filmmaking duo has high hopes for Sarasota

In a Siesta Key coffee shop, Sarasota filmmaker Steve Tatone sits on an oversized sofa with actor-turned-business-partner, Danielle White. Here, in what's become their makeshift office, the two meet each morning to talk film, compare script rewrites and brainstorm ideas.

The duo, which makes up Midnight Pass Entertainment, recently learned their second film, 'Blind Pass,' was accepted into the 2013 Woodstock Film Festival, but they're both so enthralled by their current script that they're having trouble focusing on the good news.

'You'll have to forgive me if we seem a little distracted,' says Tatone. 'We've really stumbled onto something great with this new script.'

As they begin to discuss their upcoming project, a script that interweaves the stories of eight individual characters, the mutual respect they share and their passion for film becomes evident.

They first began working together three years ago, when Tatone cast White, then a Booker VPA student, in his acclaimed 2011 debut film, 'Beautiful Noise,' which enjoyed record-setting success at the 2011 Sarasota Film Festival.

The young actress caught his attention with her singing voice and acting skills beyond her years, but as they began to work together on Tatone's second film, a psychological thriller called, 'Blind Pass,' Tatone discovered she was also a talented writer. He says her input on the character development and dialogue in 'Blind Pass' earned her a writing credit, and the two decided to form a partnership.

Despite the drastic age difference, 57-year-old Tatone and 21-year-old White say they've found a working relationship that allows them both the freedom to explore their passion for film.

'It's really like dealing with an equal,' says Tatone. 'She's the only business partner I've ever had. Some people say, '˜Oh, she's only 21,' but there's honestly no difference between us. We're like kindred spirits, when it comes to film.'

Initially unbeknownst to Tatone, White is no stranger to the entertainment industry. After competing in the American Idol spinoff, American Juniors, White and her fellow contestants recorded an album and toured the country '” all before she was even a teenager. After graduating high school in 2010, she moved to California, where she pursued an acting career, until Tatone approached her to work with him again on 'Blind Pass.'

'We each have our own set of experiences,' says White. 'I've worked with and been surrounded by adults since I was 11. I've had that experience, where I've been puppeted, and it's really motivated me to stay on track here and appreciate the opportunity for the two of us to be the masters of our own universe.'

Tatone says he feels privileged to be able to work with White, who, according to him, could be doing anything. But they both share a desire to live and work in Sarasota, and they hope to use their backgrounds to help make the area more attractive to filmmakers.

Woodstock Film Festival marks the first out-of-state festival for 'Blind Pass,', and Tatone says he hopes it will provide him an opportunity to showcase everything the area has to offer.

'It's sort of a tragedy to see Sarasota losing a lot of its film talent to other markets,' says Tatone. 'With more awareness and support, Sarasota could become a hub, not just for acting, but for filmmaking. If ever there was a town that supports the arts, this is it. We just want to do our part to help put the Suncoast on the map.'

Both "Blind Pass" and "Beautiful Noise" will be screened at MovieVille Film Festival, which takes place from Friday, Sept. 20 to Sunday, Sept. 22 at Burns Court Cinema.