The Work

A new Tarleton/Dawn short, shot in 2026 and now in post.

A college student moves through a mental-health crisis, made in collaboration with students.

Segment director with Adria Dawn on a “Kid Culture” piece profiling Bailey, a six-year-old in Chicago.

LGBTQ+ middle and high schoolers tell their own stories, in a film made hand in hand with the students themselves.

A timely short on alcoholism and “mom wine culture,” based on Kelley Kitley's memoir.

A tense, intimate drama on prejudice and the moment a bystander becomes complicit.

A supernatural thriller set in Chicago, distributed by Random Media on iTunes, Amazon and more.

Identity, Unsafe, Blackout, Help, Pressure, Viral, Excluded and Bystander: short films on the issues facing young people, widely distributed to schools and libraries.

A monthly series of very short narrative films, from broad comedy to subtle drama, released on the Tarleton/Dawn channel.

An eight-episode 3D sci-fi anthology for cable's 3Net (Sony / Discovery / IMAX). Later on Netflix.

An all-improv streaming comedy series created with Adria Dawn. Eight episodes of everyday absurdity, later staged live in Chicago.

A 34-episode Webby Award–winning Muppets series for Disney, with David handling the entire post-production: editing, sound and visual effects.

Sketch comedy from the Comedy Central pilot, edited and assembled by David.

An urban gothic fairy tale, shot on 35mm. Premiered at Slamdance, played on the Sci-Fi Channel, distributed worldwide.

A psychological thriller following an out-of-work actor's unraveling. Adria Dawn stars and co-directs.

A steampunk fantasy inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's "The Shadow," shot on RED with live actors against virtual sets. Starring Adria Dawn.

Syrian refugee girls in Lebanon dream past the limits of the camp. Distributed by Journeyman Pictures.

Steve James's award-winning documentary on sports concussions. David supervised visual effects and cut a trailer.

A feature documentary narrated by Noah Wyle on the science of early bonding.

Producer and editor on behind-the-scenes documentaries for Sony, including Double Vision and Warriors of Heaven and Earth.

A music video for Andrew M. Edwards' song from the album The Center of the Sky.

A series of short pieces for the hip-hop artist 21H2, made with Adria Dawn.

The improv series taken to the stage, playing to sold-out crowds at Stage 773 in Chicago, starring Adria Dawn.

Adria Dawn's solo theatre piece, with six characters drawn from her own family and friends. Premiered at the Stella Adler Theatre, Hollywood.

Beth Henley's quirky comedy, staged in the NoHo Arts District. Tarleton/Dawn's first collaboration, starring Adria Dawn.

An interactive, branching murder mystery shot in 360° video, made for a 48-hour VR film jam and distributed on Wonda VR.

An award-winning independent comedy, now streaming on Amazon. Cast by David Tarleton and Adria Dawn.

An independent feature following a college student forced to make his relationship public. Made during grad school.

A documentary miniseries on legendary pirates, starring Roger Daltrey. David's first professional film job.

A selection of music videos, commercials and trailers cut by David, with many more promos and pieces beyond these.

Original music written and performed by David Tarleton. Listen to a set of tracks in the embedded player.

Every year, the family produces an elaborate, unique holiday card, their own take on the joy of the season.