Daniel Jason Heffner is a distinguished film and television production executive and producer, whose career encompasses a broad spectrum of roles from stage management to executive leadership at prominent studios. His contributions to numerous acclaimed films and successful franchises underscore his expertise in production management, executive roles, and independent producing. Mr. Heffner commenced his career after obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Ithaca College in 1978. He subsequently worked on award-winning films such as "Kramer vs. Kramer" and "Ragtime" in various capacities, including stage manager and research assistant. In 1980, Mr. Heffner relocated to Los Angeles and joined the Director’s Guild of America as a Second Assistant Director. During this period, he worked on notable films such as "An Officer and a Gentleman" and "The Big Chill." He later advanced to production management and first assistant director roles at Columbia Pictures. Beginning in 1985, Mr. Heffner played a pivotal role in revitalizing Disney’s feature film division. He oversaw productions including "The Color of Money," "Three Men and a Baby," and "Cocktail." His tenure at Buena Vista Pictures saw him rise to the position of Vice President of Production, where he managed over 25 films. Since 1991, Mr. Heffner has produced and executive produced multiple projects, including the "SAW" franchise and Netflix films such as "Rebel Ridge." He currently serves as President of Production for Twisted Pictures and holds memberships in major industry guilds. Notably, he received an Emmy in 2025 for Outstanding Television Movie – Rebel Ridge.

Daniel Jason Heffner

Daniel Jason Heffner is a distinguished film and television production executive and producer, whose career encompasses a broad spectrum of roles from stage management to executive leadership at prominent studios. His contributions to numerous acclaimed films and successful franchises underscore his expertise in production management, executive roles, and independent producing. Mr. Heffner commenced his career after obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Ithaca College in 1978. He subsequently worked on award-winning films such as "Kramer vs. Kramer" and "Ragtime" in various capacities, including stage manager and research assistant. In 1980, Mr. Heffner relocated to Los Angeles and joined the Director’s Guild of America as a Second Assistant Director. During this period, he worked on notable films such as "An Officer and a Gentleman" and "The Big Chill." He later advanced to production management and first assistant director roles at Columbia Pictures. Beginning in 1985, Mr. Heffner played a pivotal role in revitalizing Disney’s feature film division. He oversaw productions including "The Color of Money," "Three Men and a Baby," and "Cocktail." His tenure at Buena Vista Pictures saw him rise to the position of Vice President of Production, where he managed over 25 films. Since 1991, Mr. Heffner has produced and executive produced multiple projects, including the "SAW" franchise and Netflix films such as "Rebel Ridge." He currently serves as President of Production for Twisted Pictures and holds memberships in major industry guilds. Notably, he received an Emmy in 2025 for Outstanding Television Movie – Rebel Ridge.

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Daniel Jason Heffner is a distinguished film and television production executive and producer, whose career encompasses a broad spectrum of roles from stage management to executive leadership at prominent studios.
His contributions to numerous acclaimed films and successful franchises underscore his expertise in production management, executive roles, and independent producing.
Mr. Heffner commenced his career after obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Ithaca College in 1978. He subsequently worked on award-winning films such as “Kramer vs. Kramer” and “Ragtime” in various capacities, including stage manager and research assistant.
In 1980, Mr. Heffner relocated to Los Angeles and joined the Director’s Guild of America as a Second Assistant Director. During this period, he worked on notable films such as “An Officer and a Gentleman” and “The Big Chill.” He later advanced to production management and first assistant director roles at Columbia Pictures.
Beginning in 1985, Mr. Heffner played a pivotal role in revitalizing Disney’s feature film division. He oversaw productions including “The Color of Money,” “Three Men and a Baby,” and “Cocktail.” His tenure at Buena Vista Pictures saw him rise to the position of Vice President of Production, where he managed over 25 films.
Since 1991, Mr. Heffner has produced and executive produced multiple projects, including the “SAW” franchise and Netflix films such as “Rebel Ridge.” He currently serves as President of Production for Twisted Pictures and holds memberships in major industry guilds. Notably, he received an Emmy in 2025 for Outstanding Television Movie – Rebel Ridge.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Stage Manager / Production Assistant at Kramer vs. Kramer
January 1, 1979 - October 21, 2025
Worked as Stage Manager and Production Assistant on the Academy Award-winning film Kramer vs. Kramer.
Research Assistant at Ragtime
January 1, 1981 - October 21, 2025
Research Assistant to Milos Forman on Ragtime.
Second Assistant Director at Various productions (Los Angeles)
January 1, 1982 - October 21, 2025
Member of the Directors Guild of America as a Second Assistant Director; worked on Personal Best, An Officer and a Gentleman, Richard Pryor Live on the Sunset Strip, and The Big Chill.
Production Manager / First Assistant Director at Columbia Pictures
August 1, 1985 - October 21, 2025
Worked on various projects as a Production Manager and First Assistant Director.
Production Executive (First) at The Walt Disney Studios / Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
December 31, 1988 - October 21, 2025
First Production Executive for the newly restructured film division; oversaw The Color of Money, Tough Guys, Adventures in Babysitting, and Three Men and a Baby; line produced Cocktail and The Good Mother.
Vice President of Production at Buena Vista Pictures Distribution (Disney)
November 1, 1991 - October 21, 2025
Created and operated the Production Division; oversaw production of over 25 pictures including the Ernest series, Mr. Destiny, Deceived, The Hand That Rocks The Cradle, Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken, White Fang, Where The Heart Is, Spaced Invaders, Shipwrecked, Paradise, The Incredible Journey, Greencard, Betsy's Wedding.
Independent Producer at Self-Employed / Independent Producer
November 1, 1991 - Present
Left Disney to pursue a career as an Independent Producer. Has since served in multiple executive production and producing roles on various projects.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Communications at Ithaca College Park School of Communications
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1978

Qualifications

Outstanding Television Movie Emmy
September 6, 2025 - September 6, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment

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