Meet Danny Mcgee of McGee Media in Manitou Springs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danny Mcgee.

Danny, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The whole time I was growing up there was no doubt in my mind that I’d be going to a 4-year school, getting a degree and getting a normal job. But once I got to college everything just felt wrong. I wasn’t passionate about what I was learning, and on the side, I’d developed this passion for photography and travel. I remember being in class and opening up Instagram and seeing all these people traveling around the world, going on adventures, and making a living doing it, and I’d just get this intense feeling of FOMO. But not like I was missing out on a trip, or party or something – like I was missing out on life itself.

So after two semesters of that, I couldn’t take it anymore, so I dropped out, saved as much money as I could and bought a one-way ticket to Asia. My main goals were to get better at making videos and meet people who were passionate about the same things as me.

It’s crazy what happens when you just chase what you love. You end up spending so much time doing it, that you end up getting really good. And once you’re good at it, the limits are endless. Since that first Asia trip, I’ve been able to see and do more than I ever thought I’d do in my entire lifetime, be able to work with some of the biggest companies in the world, and met so many incredible people from all walks of life. From filming documentaries in India to filming for Redbull in the Austrian Alps to doing big campaigns for United Airlines.

Currently, I’m in the process of building out my production company – hiring editors, social media managers etc and just really enjoying the process. Constantly reminding myself how grateful I am to be where I’m at!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Struggles are all part of the process, and anyone who’s accomplished anything of value has to deal with them. Especially in the beginning. When I decided I wanted to pursue this career, I knew I’d have to do it alone. None of my current friends were into it, and none of them were dumb enough to actually think it was possible, haha So when I initially took that one-way flight to Asia alone I was terrified. But I knew it was something I had to do.

Another struggle was definitely persistence. Once I got to Asia I made myself film and edit one vlog every single day. So I’d film all day, then go back to my sweaty hostel room and spend three hours editing a video while all of my new friends would go out partying. And then when I’d post it I’d only get like 10 views (five probably being my mom haha) It’s easy to get discouraged, but I knew that if I kept doing it for long enough it would pay off.

I don’t think anyone that’s considered “successful” in any certain field got there easily. Without the struggles, the accomplishments would feel empty. Growth and comfort cannot coexist.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I run a full-service freelance production house. I create photo + video content for brands to use for social media and other marketing purposes. Past clients include Redbull, Google, Marriott, United Airlines, all the way down to small shops in my hometown. I also create and sell digital products – for example, an online course that teaches people how to travel the world for cheaper than living a home.

As far as client work goes – I specialize in creating unique story-driven content for companies and brands that are not just visually based but also tells a story that helps the viewer connect to the content on a deeper level. I’m able to take the brand’s vision, put my unique spin on it, and make it creative/engaging.

What were you like growing up?
I think I was a lot to handle growing up haha I have a world of respect for my parents dealing with me. I was always running around doing something. Building forts, climbing trees, and spending a lot of time outside. I remember one time I just decided to dig a giant hole in my backyard. No idea why haha But my parents seemed to always just be cool with all my shenanigans

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mcgeemedia.co
• Phone: 7196400474
• Email: danny@mcgeemedia.co
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/mcgee
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcgeemedia
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLZp42Abveb9AjO2uiQ9Ecg?view_as=subscriber

Image Credit:
Photo of me – Niklas Siemens

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