Dante Hillmedo is the guy behind the lens at some of the most exclusive events in entertainment. As the owner of Team Elite Productions LLC, his New York City-based film and photography company
, Dante has captured the energy and style of icons at the MET Gala, Michael Rubin’s All White Party, and created memorable visuals for major brands like VH1, Roc Nation, and Essence. His camera doesn’t just record; it taps into the vibe, bringing out the personality and raw moments that fans crave but rarely get to see.
With a reputation for delivering A1 content, Dante’s talent and hustle have kept him in demand, making him a go-to for celebs who want more than just your typical reel. But he’s not stopping at videography—Dante recently wrapped up his first feature film, Butterfly, signaling a new chapter in his career. Inspired by the same grit and soul that shaped his journey, he’s now setting his sights on directing, aiming to make movies that hit audiences right in their core.
AHH: You’ve filmed some of the biggest celebrity events in the industry. Can you share one of the most memorable moments you’ve captured that fans wouldn’t get to see otherwise?
Dante: I would say any of Michael Rubin’s All White Party events, we’ve been the only team allowed to shoot the party that’s amassed millions of views worldwide. A cool moment that wasn’t captured though was Beyoncé commenting on my shades and shaking my hand, she’s super sweet in person.
AHH: As someone who has had a unique perspective at exclusive celebrity events, how do you balance capturing candid moments while respecting the privacy of high-profile individuals?
Dante: One of the reasons most hire me for these events is I’m very good with discretion, I don’t fan out over celebs, I treat them with respect and consideration. So I only shoot what I feel would paint them in the best light.
AHH: Now that you’ve wrapped production on your first film, how did your background in filming live events and celebrity content shape your approach to directing?
Dante: It taught me a lot about production, managing multiple things at the same time, and also choosing the right equipment for the job.
AHH: What was the biggest challenge you faced while transitioning from videography to directing, especially since it’s a shift from capturing reality to creating scripted narratives?
Dante: The casting of actors, writing the script, booking locations, keeping everyone on the same page, budgeting, etc.. It was a lot for one person but I got it done.
AHH: What’s one misconception that fans might have about celebrities at exclusive events versus how they are in real life?
Dante: The belief that all of them are in some nefarious conspiracy lol. People come, have fun, network and go home. All parties ain’tl a Diddy party lol.
AHH: If you could choose any three celebrities you’ve worked with to appear in one of your future films, who would you pick and why?
Dante: Funny enough, I wanted Teyana Taylor to help co-produce my film since she has a love for dance and is into films as well. I spoke to her briefly about it and reached out to her production company but I guess it wasn’t meant to be this time around. I’d also like to work with Chloe Bailey, and Denzel Washington in some capacity in the future.
AHH: Looking back on the past decade, what are some of the major shifts you’ve noticed in the entertainment industry, especially with how celebrity culture is portrayed?
Dante: I’d say that celebs give too much these days visually. Many have made themselves too accessible, whether that’s in person or via social media. Part of the allure of a celebrity was the mystery of their daily lives. Now we see it all, so a lot of them lose their exclusivity and people get too involved in their personal lives. I think Denzel is someone who does it the right way, a healthy balance.
AHH: Now that you’re moving into film directing, what kind of stories are you most excited to tell, and how do you want audiences to feel after watching your work?
Dante: I want them to feel emotion. Whether that’s excitement, joy, pain, horror, I want my films to ignite emotion on a level that makes them walk away after completing a film feeling like they’ve enjoyed something special. Something that they’d want to tell their friends about. That’s my goal to deliver.
As Dante Hillmedo steps into the world of filmmaking, he’s bringing with him a decade of experience, grit, and a vision sharpened by capturing some of the most exclusive moments in entertainment. From behind the scenes at star-studded events to now crafting his own stories on the big screen, Dante isn’t just building a career—he’s building a legacy. With Butterfly on the horizon and his ambitions aimed even higher, Hillmedo’s journey is just beginning. For those who have been following his work, it’s clear: Dante’s story is one you’ll want to keep watching. You can follow Dante on Instagram at @DanteFilmz and check out his website at TeamElitePhoto.com