We recently connected with Daniel Baghdasarian and have shared our conversation below.
Daniel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?
My hero is definitely my father. He’s an incredible inspiration to me because of his journey as an immigrant in the United States. When he first arrived, he had nothing but the determination to create a better life for our family. Seeing him overcome numerous challenges and obstacles has taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and perseverance.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from my father is the importance of never giving up. He faced many setbacks and experienced numerous failures along the way, but he never let them deter him from his goals. Instead, he used those experiences as stepping stones for growth and learning. His unwavering belief in himself and his ability to overcome any adversity has instilled in me a deep sense of optimism and the understanding that setbacks are just temporary roadblocks.
My father’s work ethic is truly remarkable. I’ve witnessed him putting in long hours, sometimes sacrificing his own needs, just to ensure that our family had a comfortable life. His dedication and commitment have shown me the importance of hard work and the rewards it can bring. He taught me that success is not handed to you; it is earned through determination, discipline, and persistence. I wouldn’t be a small business owner if it wasn’t for watching him run his own small business for most of my life.
Apart from my father, my wife is also a hero to me. She selflessly takes care of our family with such grace and compassion, always putting our needs before her own. Her love, support, and sacrifices have shown me the true meaning of unconditional love and the importance of nurturing strong relationships.
Both my father and my wife have influenced my journey in countless ways. They’ve taught me the power of resilience, the value of hard work, and the importance of love and family. Their unwavering belief in me has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams and overcome any challenges that come my way.
I remember a particular incident that truly showcases my father’s character. There was a time when he faced a major setback in his career due to the 2008 financial crises and it seemed like everything was falling apart. Instead of giving up or dwelling on his misfortune, he immediately started exploring new opportunities and learning new skills. He went from 30 years of being a contractor to running a logistics business and shifting gear in life to make things work.
Similarly, my wife’s selflessness and dedication have left a lasting impact on me. She manages to balance her own personal aspirations with taking care of our family, always finding joy in giving and making sure we feel loved and supported. Her acts of kindness and generosity remind me of the importance of appreciating and cherishing those who matter most in our lives.
Their stories and actions have taught me invaluable lessons about hard work, resilience, love, and sacrifice. I strive to emulate their strength, determination, and selflessness as I navigate my own journey and seek to make a positive impact on the lives of others in running my video production company.
Daniel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Let me tell you about my journey in starting my video production company, Big Dreams Media, after working in finance for 12 years. The decision to transition from finance to the world of filmmaking was a significant turning point in my life.
After the birth of my son, I had a moment of reflection inspired by a speech given by Jim Carrey. He spoke about his father’s unfulfilled dreams and the importance of pursuing what you truly want in life. This resonated deeply with me, and it sparked the realization that I had always been passionate about film since I was a child.
As a young boy, my dad would bring home old VHS films for family movie night. Those movie nights sparked my love for storytelling and ignited my imagination. It was during that time that my dad gifted me a Sony handicam, and from that moment on, I couldn’t be separated from it. I started filming shorts and experimenting with different ideas when I was just 13 years old.
Although I pursued a career in finance, my passion for filmmaking never waned. In 2020, I finally made the decision to follow my dreams, even though I wasn’t entirely sure how to get started. I took the leap of faith and put one foot in front of the other, determined to make my mark in the industry.
Through persistence and a willingness to learn, I found myself on major brand sets, working alongside incredibly talented individuals. The experience of collaborating with my mentors at Junk Films provided invaluable learning opportunities and helped me refine my skills as a filmmaker, producer and editor.
Big Dreams Media, was born out of the desire to create compelling visual content that resonates with audiences. We specialize in producing high-quality videos for various purposes, including corporate videos, commercials, promotional content, documentaries, and short films. The name pretty much says it all – We have Big Dreams, we know you do too – so lets build on those together.
I take immense pride in the journey I’ve undertaken to pursue my passion. It hasn’t been an easy path, but the challenges and obstacles along the way have only fueled my determination. From leaving behind a stable career to stepping onto sets, I’ve embraced the unknown and grown both personally and professionally.
What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about Big Dreams Media is that we are dedicated to delivering your dream. We bring creativity, professionalism, and a deep understanding of storytelling to every project. And we have the incredible partnership of some of the best in the business to make almost any ask materialize. With our commitment to quality and our passion for filmmaking, we strive to create memorable and impactful visual experiences.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Let me share with you the story of how I managed to gather the initial capital needed to start my business, buy equipment, and lay the foundation for Big Dreams Media.
When I embarked on this journey, I began with very limited resources. I had around $200 of capital and a dusty DSLR camera sitting in the garage. But I was determined to turn my passion for filmmaking into a thriving business.
Instead of viewing my limited funds as a roadblock, I saw it as an opportunity for resourcefulness and creativity. I embraced the philosophy of starting small and growing gradually. Every dollar mattered, so I carefully planned and allocated my funds to the most essential aspects of the business.
In the early stages, I recycled almost every piece of revenue back into the business. Every project I worked on, every payment received, I reinvested into learning, expanding my skill set, and acquiring better gear. I understood the importance of continuously improving and the essential needs of certain technology.
During this time, I met the guys at JUNK Films, a company that was so ahead of my game and then some. This partnership was instrumental in my business’s growth and success, and I remain forever grateful for the opportunities it has provided.
One valuable lesson I learned during the early stages of building my business is the importance of surrounding yourself with talented individuals who can elevate you. By collaborating with Richie and Ben, (The owners of JUNK), who excel in their respective fields, I was able to push myself further and expand my capabilities. Being in a room with individuals who are more advanced and skilled than you can be intimidating, but it serves as a powerful motivation to prove your worth and grow as a professional.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the freedom to express myself authentically and the opportunity to push boundaries without the constraints of fitting into a pre-existing mold that a corporation or society may have built for me.
I believe it’s essential to have the ability to experiment, to make mistakes, and to fail without feeling like I’m doing something wrong. The creative process is not always smooth or perfect, but that’s where the beauty lies. It’s about embracing the imperfections, the faults, and finding beauty in the raw and human aspects of creation.
Moreover, being an artist or creative allows me to continuously grow and evolve. It’s a lifelong learning process where I can constantly explore new mediums, techniques, and ideas. I can stretch my creative muscles, step out of my comfort zone, and discover new depths within myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: bigdreamsmedia.com
- Instagram: @dnbags
Image Credits
Erica Vincent