Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christopher Daniels. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Christopher, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Life is about more than just the routines we fall into. The best most memorable events always take place when we collide with our fears. Are we good enough? Will we fail? What’s around the corner? Do we jump full in or sit and wait or stay comfortable where we are? This was me in 2018. Make no mistake all the potential was there, but the fear of failing paralyzed me enough to keep me from even trying. I have every excuse in the book. Excuses like “I want to start doing film but I don’t want to do it alone.” “What if I’m exposed to be a bad writer?” Etc. the moment things change didn’t happen after the first big deal or opportunity but the day I looked myself in the mirror and simply encouraged myself that “we got this.”

Once I first sold myself on the idea of greater and being the fulfillment of my childhood dreams, people started coming to me. Like God and the universe said finally he is ready.

It got to the point where being all in wasn’t an option, but the only way possible to move forward. To safety net, no back up. It was all out nothing.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a scriptwriter, film maker, and up and coming tv producer that also happens to have his own clothing line. I produced and directed a tv show that was recently aired on ABC30 here in St. Louis entitled “Conversations with Collins”, just finished production on my first feature film entitled “Missing in Stl”, and have various scripts being considered by major studios.

I’m also a man dedicated to changing the lives of young people and unlocking the dreams in them. StayFocused is the non profit leg of everything I do. And we take all aspects of the arts and make it an reachable goal for youth of all backgrounds while allowing them to participate in the professional arena as well.

One of the short films created through this program with students from Normandy School District has been chosen to participate in an upcoming film festival in July! These youth get to see themselves on a big screen and feel what it is like to stream larger than life!

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

Wow. This has been the recent challenge. Sometimes taking risk come with huge challenges. They expose you and the team around you. This year has been both filled with excitement and anxiety. We came out of the gate making huge, bold, moves that at the time were larger than financial support behind it. But for us it was all or nothing. Financing a film, awarding youth doing amazing things, paying talent what they are worth while feeding into their dreams was way more important than ensuring the dream driving it all was financially stable. It led to some serious questions having to be asked. Do we slow down? Do we stop? Will financial banking come to not only continue but reach even farther?

Supporting the dreams of others have always been our staple, and will always be. Who knows maybe this will lead to someone coming along and supporting ours. But we will not stop. Too much at stake.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

The biggest thing I think we have is our integrity and our genuine heart and passion for the work and youth we serve. The industry in St. Louis is small, and your name is all you have. Yes there will be haters, but the goal is to conduct yourself in a way where it exposes them and promotes your efforts at the same time. Stay true to who you are.    

Contact Info:

• Website: Teamfocusedproductions.com
• Instagram: @teamfocusedstl
• Facebook: @teamfocusedstl
• Youtube: @teamfocusedstl

Image Credits
Videl Philip A.G. Shaw