
This is David.
David Haverty is a filmmaker working as an editor, cinematographer, and director, shaped by a lifetime of performance. He began acting at age ten, later majoring in musical theatre and dance, and trained with Broadway legends like Ann Reinking, Gwen Verdon, Ben Vereen and studied voice with Adrian Angel (Bernadette Peters' coach) in elite programs that emphasized discipline, timing, and storytelling through movement. That early immersion in performance continues to guide how he tells stories behind the camera and editing. Picking up a camera and directing since he was 14 and learning to edit on stacked VCRs and CD players in the 90s. He has always had a camera in his hand.
As an editor, David has edited 2 TV series, and 7 feature films ranging from sci-fi art films to Hallmark Christmas movies. Once editing a feature for a major movie studio that specializes in Lifetime movies for the last 22 years, where the executive producer stated, "This is the best movie we have ever produced, give my regards to the editor." He crafts each story uniquely on what the style and intent the stories require. His instincts come from years of understanding what an actor is doing beneath the dialogue, when a choice is too forced or as close to natural as possible. Not to mention his comedic timing is impeccable, usually being cast as the comic relief in every production he has been in as an actor. As LA TIMES said for his role in Sketches from the National Lampoon, "versatile comedic heavyweight, David Haverty who channels some of John Belushi's earthiness."
As a cinematographer and director, David has shot 2 feature films and multi short films over the years and builds visuals using a slight twist on industry standard techniques but without the oversized crew and production. Less is more, favoring intentional frames and natural movements to convey the intended tone of the scene but filling the frame to stand alone next to Hollywood budgets and production. You can find his portfolio at OddDogPictures.com"
Slated to shoot 2 features and direct/shoot a short in the 1st QT of 2026 he is exctied for the new year to come.
David thrives on finding joy in the process and the work.
The Full Story
Professional Biography:
David Haverty is a dynamic and multifaceted performer—actor, filmmaker, dancer, editor, producer, and more—whose creative journey began in childhood and continues to flourish across stage, screen, and behind the camera.
Early Life & Training
David's artistic path began early: he started acting at just 10 years old, distinguishing himself as a standout in his theatre training and a singer with the Florida Boy Choir. Until about the age 13 he was a standout performer among his troupe at the The Suncoast Children's Theatre in Seminole FL, later in life becoming the Artistic Director of the same prgram after graduating high school. During his high school years, he majored in musical theatre at the Pinellas County Centre for the Arts, being the first ever recipient in the 15 years of the programs existence of the “Arete Award : A PCCA Prodigy” for his artistic achievements while at the program. He went on to train with Broadway luminaries through the Broadway Theatre Project (1999–2000), honing his skills under the guidance of celebrated instructors including Gwen Verdon, Ben Vereen, James Naughton, and others.
Education & Early Career
After attending the Broadway Theatre Project, David pursued a BA in Theatre Arts at Marymount Manhattan College (2001–2003) in New York City. In his early 20s, he moved to NYC believing theatre would define his career—serving as Entertainment Director at The Jekyll and Hyde Club and teaching young actors at The Children’s Acting Academy, later being offered to buy the Academy but David turned it down to pursue acting in Los Angeles. Though he returned to Florida briefly—working as an entertainment consultant for Club Med and performing in musicals at an Equity Dinner Theatre—the pull of LA’s creative industry ultimately brought him to the west coast.
Behind-the-Scenes & Perseverance
Settling in Los Angeles wasn’t without struggle. For over a year, David faced homelessness while working across departments in film and TV production—gaining behind-the-camera experience in every conceivable role. It was during this challenging period that he rekindled his passion for performing and embraced filmmaking: teaching himself editing, producing his own content, and forming the online network Actors Supporting Actors, which grew to over 1,200 members. From this community sprouted ActionGroupLA, a monthly collaborative production group, where David both acted and produced/edit shorts in conjunction with his on-camera work.
Acting & Stage Highlights
David has delivered memorable stage performances across Los Angeles theatre and the Hollywood Fringe:
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"Ryan Is Lost": A critically acclaimed two-hander for which he earned a Spirit of the Fringe Award nomination for Best Male Performance (2013) at the Hollywood Fringe, later reprising the role in New York.
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"45 Milligrams" (2019): His return to the Fringe was met with glowing praise, with critics commending his comedic timing, charisma, and stage agility.
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Other standout roles include Hamlet Sr. in Skullduggery, The Dude in The Big Lebowski (musical parody), and Kurt Billie in Doomsday Cabaret, where critics highlighted his energy, vocal prowess, and comedic presence.
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In television and comedy showcases, he performed in Sketches from the National Lampoon at the Hayworth Theatre, drawing comparisons to John Belushi for his “earthiness” and comedic boldness.
Film & Screen Work
David has made his mark on the screen as well:
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Lead role in Monsters of Man (2020), opposite Neal McDonough—a sci-fi feature released amid the COVID-19 pandemic, now streaming on Amazon Prime.
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Film credits also include supporting roles in Love Meet Hope with Ed Asner and other portfolio pieces across shorts and features.
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He has expanded his technical expertise over the past few years—editing three feature films, directing cinematography for a fourth feature in 2023, and steering post-production work for episodic TV.
Dance, Music Videos & Commercial Work
David’s physical performance skills find unique expression through dance:
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His “silly Dance Reel” captured attention—landing him appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, in a Meghan Trainor music video, and as a dancing construction worker in a Jack in the Box commercial.
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Additional dance credits include music videos for Galantis (Peanut Butter Jelly), Major Lazer featuring Elliphant (Too Original), and roles as a dancing Santa in Meghan Trainor’s I Believe in Santa music video.
David Haverty is a consummate creative force—resilient, resourceful, and remarkably diversified. Beginning his journey as a child actor, he has evolved into a performer who crafts his work from every angle: acting, directing, editing, dancing, and producing. His career is a testament to enduring passion, collaborative spirit, and artistic versatility across multiple disciplines.
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