Neal Dodson Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Neal Dodson is an American film producer recognized for his critically acclaimed work on films like Margin Call and A Most Violent Year.

Introduction

When you look at the career of Neal Dodson—born on May 17, 1978—you find a narrative of creative ambition, strategic collaboration and disciplined filmmaking. With an estimated net worth of around $10 million, according to public-facing sources, Dodson has carved a notable niche in independent cinema.  Married to actress Ashley Williams, the couple’s partnership extends from home life into creative projects, offering a glimpse into Dodson’s personal life as well as his professional one.

Quick Facts (Table Summary)

(Net worth figure from Celebrity NetWorth, cited below.) 

From a Small-Town Start to Big-Screen Impact

Born and raised in York, Pennsylvania, Neal Dodson spent his early years far from the glitz of Hollywood, shaping instead a foundational relationship with performance and storytelling. According to his biography, he attended the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama after graduating from Central York High School. 

While at Carnegie Mellon, he and future collaborators formed bonds that would later open doors. After an initial foray into acting—from regional theatre to a Broadway appearance in The Invention of Love—Dodson made the transition behind the camera. 

His shift to producing was defined by bold choices, like the lean, intense financial-drama Margin Call (2011), which he co-produced.  That film’s success helped position him as a serious independent producer rather than simply an actor-turned-producer.

Defining moments in Neal Dodson’s journey include:

• Launching the production company Before the Door Pictures with Zachary Quinto and Corey Moosa in 2008. 

• Producing Margin Call, which won the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature. 

• Building a reputation through collaborations with director J. C. Chandor and other heavy-hit indie titles such as A Most Violent Year.

• Merging professional life with personal life by producing films alongside his wife Ashley Williams and working in the Hallmark space. 

The Core Pillars of Neal Dodson’s Wealth

Dodson’s estimated net worth of $10 million is built on several interlocking revenue streams:

• Production credits: As a primary producer on commercially and critically successful indie films, Dodson earns via producer fees, backend participation and project overhead.

• Production company ownership: Before the Door Pictures gives him equity in a reusable production vehicle, not just freelance producer gigs.

• Film investments and partnerships: Some indie producers secure percentage points or recurring revenue from distribution deals, which can bolster long-term earnings.

• Branding, speaking engagements, and ancillary income: While less documented, opening doors to panels, brand sponsorships or content sequencing may add to overall earnings.

If one were to break down his known sources in a simplified table:

Because concrete details beyond the $10 million estimate are limited, we treat other categories as less verified.

Relationships & Family Life

In matters of the heart and home, Neal Dodson is firmly anchored. Below are key insights into his personal life:

Key insights into Neal Dodson’s relationships and personal life:

• He met actress Ashley Williams in 2003 while working in an acting-coach environment; they were married on May 29, 2011, in Nashville. 

• Neal and Ashley have two sons: Gus (born October 5) and Odie Sal (born May 17, the same date as his father’s birthday). 

• He is the brother-in-law of actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley and country music star Brad Paisley, through Ashley’s side of the family. 

• Their partnership extends into creative work: Dodson has executive-produced films and TV movies on which Williams appears, blending personal and professional spheres. 

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond the credits and numbers, Dodson leads a lifestyle reflective of both passion for storytelling and family life. Some publicly known particulars include:

• He and his wife split time between New York and Los Angeles, allowing access to both the Broadway/regional theatre roots and the Hollywood production scene. 

• Though specific homes or luxury cars are not widely publicised, his lifestyle aligns with that of a successful independent-film producer—artful, network-rich and creatively invested rather than ostentatiously lavish.

• Interests: Dodson’s background as a trained actor and theatre performer suggests ongoing engagement with performance arts even as he works behind the camera; his transcripts suggest he retains a keen involvement in story development and production mechanics. 

• Philanthropy and mentorship: While detailed public records of his philanthropy are not prominent, his participation in fellow Carnegie Mellon alumni networks and support for emerging filmmakers indicate a commitment to the next generation of storytellers.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Evaluating the wealth of a film-producer like Neal Dodson requires an understanding that his value lies both in immediate producer fees and in longer-term revenue participation. The cited $10 million figure comes from CelebrityNetWorth. This figure is approximate and may not account for unreported investments or deferred backend deals. Key drivers of growth include his ownership in production companies, his successful early runs (which build reputation) and his ability to maintain partnerships with other high-profile talent.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Neal Dodson’s reputation in the film industry is one of dependable independent-film production with an entrepreneurial backbone. He is viewed as a thoughtful partner who understands storytelling, financing and talent navigation. His early work alongside Zachary Quinto and Corey Moosa in Before the Door Pictures signalled a model of creative collaboration rather than solo ego-driven production. 

In public profiles, he is presented as anchored: married, family-oriented, creatively driven. For fans of indie cinema and emerging producers, he stands as an example of how grounded education (Carnegie Mellon) meets bold initiative (moving into producing). His legacy is still unfolding, but he’s already left an imprint via films like Margin Call and A Most Violent Year. 

Conclusion

From a childhood in York, Pennsylvania, to becoming a respected film producer, Neal Dodson has built a career marked by smart collaborations, creative risk-taking and stable personal foundations. With his birthday on May 17, birthdate May 17, 1978, and an estimated net worth of approximately $10 million, Dodson continues to navigate both the art and business of filmmaking. Married to Ashley Williams and balancing family life with creative ambition, his story proves that independent filmmakers can shape meaningful careers while maintaining personal values and relational strength. In an industry often defined by flash, Dodson’s legacy may well be one of substance, partnership and quiet influence.