Danny A. Abeckaser - Leave Nothing Unturned
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
Elevated caught up with cover star Danny A. Abeckaser while on the set in Hungary of his latest wrapped feature, Ashes To Iron, which we can expect in 2027. Danny A. Abeckaser has become an industry machine, churning out one film after the next. It is truly impressive. His next film is set to start shooting in July in Budapest, where he will return to direct, produce and co-star in a mobster film called “Killing Hitler,” based on a true story. A Brooklyn native, Danny possesses grit and determination, which contributes to his newfound success as a director in recent years. His most recent release, The Perfect Gamble starring David Arquette and Daniella Tarantino, released in Fall 2025, is currently streaming to rave reviews, and will hit Paramount Plus in July 2026 as a new release on the platform. Danny’s loyalty to his peers, dedication to his craft, producing partners, actors and crew, is truly incredible. He values every opportunity which shows in his actions, his results, and his daily work ethic. Despite having directed close to a dozen films to date, Danny is just getting started.
ELEVATED: Why do you love directing and what drives you on set?
DANNY A. ABECKASER: I love directing. I truly just love it. What drives me on set is to make a great movie. I think about the end so I always push forward, push hard, and leave nothing unturned. Every detail matters, everything counts. I love the thrill of it, the beauty of it, the rush of it. I love to tell stories and by directing I can make sure the story is told the way I know it deserves and the way I want to tell it.
What is the difference between directing with a proper budget and a super indie budget?
The budget buys you more time and some toys. But at the end it’s almost the same. But of course there are things you can pull off more efficiently and higher quality with bigger budgets, and it all contributes to the end result.
What was your favorite thing about directing in Budapest?
Budapest has a big film industry so there are truly so many talented people there. I love working in Budapest. And I have learned to love the city as well. Great restaurants, great people, and incredible filming backdrops. When I was location scouting I was truly amazed, as the city offers everything you need as a director, especially with a period piece.
You wear so many hats - acting, producing, directing, conceptualizing scripts - what is your true passion?
I love telling stories so I guess I would say directing. I do everything else to allow me to direct and act sometimes.
Who inspires you as a director?
Scorsese, Tarantino. And I have been lucky enough to work with both.
When did you first know you wanted to become a director?
It was never something I wanted. It just happened. I was producing and acting in a movie I wanted to make and I couldn’t find the right director. So I directed it myself. That’s the truth. And then I fell in love with the process and directing.
What is something you tell yourself on set, perhaps a personal touchpoint as a director, as well as advice you often give an actor?
The advice I give myself and the actors is that a Film lasts forever. Give it your all. No one wants to watch a movie and say “Shoot I didn’t take it serious.” You can tell. Leave it all on set, put it all on the line, no regrets, and the result will always be great.
