Daniel Veluzat epitomizes the entrepreneurial spirit. And his spirited life crosses a wide swath of art and industry. Much of his time and talent has gone to the field of entertainment. More than 30 years ago, Veluzat, as a young boy, was lucky enough to spend time on the sets of such shows as “Gilligan’s Island,” “McMillan and Wife,” “Maverick,” and films such as “1941” starring John Belushi. Veluzat’s family built many of the vehicles used for television and movies, which meant he got to ride in Army tanks, the General Lee vehicles from “Dukes of Hazzard,” Kit from “Knight Rider” and the “A-Team” van.

Runnin’ the Ranch

He is currently the studio operator at The Veluzat Motion Picture Ranch in Saugus and Melody Ranch Studios in Newhall. Both ranches have been the backdrop for numerous movies, television shows, commercials and music videos. Daniel has worked as a location liaison for television shows including “My Name Is Earl,” “Deadwood,” “My Own Worst Enemy,” “The Magnificent 7,” “X-Files,” “Weeds,” “Reno 911,” “N.C.I.S.” and “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.”

Veluzat Motion Picture Ranch is approximately 750 acres of natural settings, miles of roads, streambeds and filming locations. It features a Mexican, Spanish, a Middle Eastern, and a European city with a cantina, church, school, police station, gas station, warehouse, hotel room and hacienda.

The Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studios is a 21-acre back lot, previously owned by Gene Autry, with sound stages, production offices and art department offices.

The ranch comes into closer focus this month as host of the City of Santa Clarita’s annual Cowboy Festival April 22-26. On Saturday and Sunday, April 25 and 26, locals and visitors will swarm Melody Ranch to walk its western streets, hear cowboy poetry and music, see stunt acts, magicians, horsemen, saloon pianists and eat some grub. Every year it gives visitors a chance to see the location of so much filming, past and present. (www.cowboyfestival.org).

Music

Daniel fronted his own heavy metal band, “UNTAYMD,” and he has been able to work on music videos for Bonnie Tyler, Amy Grant, Depeche Mode, Justin Timberlake, Jon Bon Jovi, Britney Spears, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Michael Bolton, Steve Winwood, Brooks & Dunn, Velvet Revolver, Clint Black and Mariah Carey, to name just a few. He has been a part of more than 175 film, television, video and commercial productions. (To view more of Daniel’s film credits, visit www.IMDB.com). “I meet different people on every production and it is always a new adventure and experience,” he says.

It’s All Relative

The arts are alive and well in Daniel’s family. He has worked as an executive and co-executive producer, director, actor, location liaison, studio manager, stage manager, stunt man, production designer, art director, set dresser and more. His wife Crista, also a Hart High School graduate, has been a partner in the entertainment industry, a songwriter, model and photographer. Their three sons, Elijah, 13, Caleb, 10, and Noah, 7, are all entertainers.

Community

Daniel practices real estate with a team at REALTY EXECUTIVES located in Santa Clarita. They market homes and land professionally and uniquely, including to the Motion Picture Industry. He and his wife also enjoy volunteering in the community. They share an interest in helping those with autism and serving cancer related foundations. Daniel supports The Boys and Girls Club and he served on the board of the Santa Clarita Valley Pregnancy Center. He has coached for various basketball programs, including the high school level. “Coaching in Santa Clarita Valley has given me additional opportunities to give back to the community,” says Daniel. “I get to share my knowledge of Santa Clarita’s Film History and development with many families and their children, while doing something I love.”

Currently

Daniel has had the privilege of working alongside many of Hollywood’s most famous artists, including Johnny Depp, George Clooney, Pierce Brosnan, Sharon Stone, Ellen Degeneres and Woody Allen. His most recent project is a movie entitled “The Deported,” where Daniel served as co-executive producer.

Starring successful actor Nick Turturro, comedian Paul Rodriguez, Talia Shire from “Rocky,” and a cast of many, “The Deported” is the story of an Italian-American actor deported to Mexico by crooked INS agents. A group of orphans help him find his way back to America. The film was shot at Veluzat Motion Picture Ranch and is currently in post-production.

Daniel’s enthusiasm for the industry does not seem to be waning. “As long as I am alive and movies are being made I want to be a part of it,” says Daniel. “Working with others to achieve continued success and growth for our community is something my family and I take great pride in doing.”

For additional information regarding Daniel Veluzat, or for ranch and studio information see www.findafilmlocation.com.