Today we’d like to introduce you to Jerry Dalton. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Jerry Dalton was born in the Pacific Northwest; he was reared in the pioneer tradition, now considered unconventional. But unconventional often defines the creative spirit. His father was a builder – not just a building contractor in the modern way, but a hands-on teacher/builder in the pioneer tradition.
Here is why they were deemed “pioneers:” The family would purchase acreage and then proceed to build a house and farming operation at the same time. Since World War II in America, the usual way is to hire multiple contractors for different tasks (excavation, foundation, framing, roofing, etc.). Not the Daltons. The family would hand clear the land, then fire up the heavy equipment and dig footings and a basement. Then they built the house from the ground up. It usually took about a year. During land clearing and construction, the parent’s living quarters were a 16 ft. travel trailer. The boys would sleep in a tent. When a tool shed or garage was dried in, the boys would move into that. Finally, everyone moved into the completed “custom-built” home. The pattern would be repeated every three or four years, and the father would also build homes for others.
When Jerry was about eight years old, he happened to go to the movies. He was hooked once he saw his first movie on the big screen. The ultimate escape was the ability to teach, entertain, and transport the viewer into a completely new world. And it could all happen on a giant screen in less than two hours! No sooner had he returned home from the movie; he requisitioned the family 8mm (without permission) and made his first short. He was caught some grief for taking the precious camera without permission, which made the occasion even more memorable. The entire episode fired his imagination and sparked his passion for a career making movies.
One of the family’s building ventures took them to Ohio, his father’s native state. That is where Jerry went to high school. Film school was on the agenda when he graduated, but the financing was not. So paying his way, Jerry pursued his second love (good food) and went to culinary school. He shot to the top of his class and became a sought-after baker and pastry chef. Like he had been taught in childhood, “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.”
He jumped into the food business alone after working for others in some fine establishments. He did this with a unique concept: combining his culinary skills and being a competitive bodybuilder into a formula that supplied health conscience people with a palatable and tasty alternative to bland healthy food. In 1988 Hard Body Cafe was conceived inside Gold’s Gym in Myrtle Beach, SC. From there, he purchased a failed bakery and executed a stunning business turnaround, transforming it into a well-recognized bakery, patisserie, and restaurant. His culinary wonderland was known as “Perfections Bakery” and was nominated for the United States Bakery of the Year. During this time, Perfections was featured in several world-renowned food magazines, and Jerry was elected president of the RBA South East Tri-State.
As Jerry’s success with Perfections got around, a major corporate player in the food interest gave him an offer he didn’t refuse. Jerry was breaking ground (by hand) within a month of selling at the highly acclaimed Pine Lakes Country Club in Myrtle Beach, SC. With his own design and building plans, he calculated coastal South Carolina’s hurricane-compliant wind loads and shear walls and built his own house — just as his parents had taught him.
During the next decade, Jerry built several homes and commercial buildings. His construction clientele grew, and he became one of the most sought-after builders in the region. There was an eighteen-month waiting list to begin a project by Jerry Dalton. This was all good, but the burning passion for making movies and media had never left him. He was frequently called upon to help with various media projects.
So in 2002, he made a clean break and started his journey into the full-time Motion Picture arena. He purchased video, sound, lighting, editing suites, and still frame equipment and founded Dalton Pictures. Right off the bat, he filmed two full-length feature movies, one of which ran in 37 states and over 150 theaters. Success begets success, and Jerry went on to found and promote the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival with the full enthusiastic support of the City of Myrtle Beach and the surrounding area. From there, Dalton Pictures became involved in film distribution.
Jerry never let go of his desire to work in the motion picture industry. Since 2002, Dalton Pictures has produced for cinema chains, government agencies, the European Union, television, corporations, and travel and tourism concerns. In 2019 Jerry Dalton wrote “A Carolina Christmas” script and went into production. The motion picture went on to open in theaters in 2020, including but not limited to IMAX.
Jerry, with his experience and knowledge of building along with his General Contractors License, has come in handy as he and his fiancée have begun a process of remodeling and retrofitting several downtown buildings in Loris, including but not limited to the A sporting goods store, old Variety Store and the old Western Auto which will become more sound stages for additional Motion Picture and Television productions. Set to be completed at the end of 2023 or early 2024, Dalton Pictures Motion Picture Studio will have over 20,000 sq feet and multiple stages as part of a functioning downtown.
Jerry always had a love for movies and a drive and passion to become part of the Motion Picture Industry. He began working in that field over 20 years ago and went full-time in 2009. Jerry is a renowned director, writer, producer, distribution agent, studio owner, and operator. Since 2002, Dalton Pictures has produced for cinema chains, government agencies, the European Union, television, corporations, and travel and tourism. Dalton Pictures is an Oscar Qualifying Motion Picture Company.
In 2005 Jerry founded and became director of the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival. In February 2020, Jerry helped establish the Film and Arts Commission of Loris and has been appointed Commissioner of this agency. Jerry’s passion for artistic creation, push for perfection, and unquestionable drive have made for a perfect combination to reach a lifelong goal: a motion picture studio. What comes now? Motion Picture Production!
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Smooth? Anything but! Hard work, money, and sacrifice have been behind the scenes. When you are not born into the industry (deep family ties), you must get creative and outwork the competition to stake your claim. Ultimately, it makes success, which comes in many forms, sweeter. Blood, sweat, and tears purify the soul and make life’s endeavors worthwhile. If you have a dream, go after it in a big way; as I coined the phrase in my early years, Live life like it’s your movie!
As you know, we’re big fans of Dalton Pictures / The Myrtle Beach International Film Festival. What can you tell our readers who might not be as familiar with the brand?
Dalton Pictures and Dalton Pictures Motion Picture Studio is a pursuit of many decades; specializing in Motion Picture production with one of our past wheelhouses, theatrical distribution, we strive to produce and release motion pictures for a wide audience. With the soon to be completed 20,000 plus square foot studio/stages, we aim to offer productions a place to film in the region with support industries. Be it Motion Picture, Television, Streaming, a podcasting facility, or corporate needs, we will specialize in making a company’s next production as seem as possible. Named one of the 5 festivals you must visit in South Carolina in 2023 by LIVABILITY.COM and one of the top 5 festivals in Myrtle Beach, SC, by Leisure Travel Group. The Myrtle Beach International Film Festival is now in its nineteenth year and keeps improving. It just keeps getting better! Jerry’s love for motion pictures has made many filmmakers and film enthusiasts claim that the MBIFF is the best film festival they have ever been to. The secret to success is simple, treat every film as if it is yours and you are screening for the academy. First run theater, DCP’d 5.1 screenings in the Market Common in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, it does not get any better!
What matters most to you? Why?
This is a tough one because a lot matters a great deal to me. I would say Loyalty, Comes from my Viking DNA! Always be loyal to those that are loyal to you 100%. After that is striving to be the best you can be at whatever you do. Be fair with people and follow the golden rule. Oh! Also, Movies and Food!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://daltonpictures.com/ https://myrtlebeachfilmfestival.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daltonpictures https://www.facebook.com/MyrtleBeachInternationalFilmFestival
- Youtube: Dalton Pictures @DaltonPictures
Image Credits
Dalton Pictures / Jerry Dalton owns all copyright to photographs provided. They are are own creations and work. You have permission to use them for the article about Jerry Dalton
