We were lucky to catch up with Danni Lee recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Danni, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project that I have worked on would have to be my very own project, “Girl Wake Up”. This project is meaningful to me because it was my first time officially sharing another aspect of me (as a creative) with the world. I’ve always been known as a writer, an actress, a spoken word artist, and hey…I even sing from time to time, but to actually put together a plot, characters, a running theme, a conflict, resolution, and host rehearsals, and hire a cinematographer…the list goes on, but I did that. I accomplished that.

Living in Memphis is to live in a world full of creatives; there are people here who are always working, always acting, always doing something that they seem to be passionate about, and while I have always been a part of someone else’s vision, play, short film, or project, I wanted something of my own. I wanted to show myself that God placed the gifts within me as well. I love acting; I am a true critic, a real actress who can breakdown a character and make the role my own. I can bring things to life…words on a page, so this time I wanted to do it myself, my way (if that makes sense). I wanted to provide an opportunity for myself as well as others. People think I’m funny; I think I’m honest, and at times I’m labeled as a comedic actress (in Memphis); while I am humbled, I wanted to show another side, as a creative.

Girl Wake Up is about domestic violence, projecting negative emotions and feelings, past trauma, toxic relationships, verbal, physical, emotional abuse, and more. Each time you watch the short, you will get something different from it, if you pay attention. I wrote, directed, and co-edited this film during the pandemic, so you can imagine how difficult this could be. My gift of script writing was lying dormant until the pandemic motivated me to try. Although it was a very small cast and crew, the actors who I have acted alongside in several plays or shorts, were actually listening to me, taking me seriously, heeding to every direction and advise to become better. They believed the words within the script, and we had quite the time. We adhered to COVID safety protocols and regulations, and we still completed the task at hand. I dealt with things mentally that I will discuss at a later date, but I did it. I was proud of myself…to see the fruits of my labor in spite of all that was going on in the world around me. I was able to bring awareness to issues that plague many relationships, men, and women, and it was relatable. There is more to come; this was just the beginning.

The project was meaningful to me because I created it; I wrote and directed it; I even used local artists and musicians for the soundtrack. I brought a dream to life.

Danni, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hey folks! I’m Danni Lee, also known as Dee Dee the actress.  I’ve been in the acting industry since I was a child, around the age of 5 years old. I started acting in church plays, writing since I learned the alphabet and the meaning of words, and singing since my mother taught my twin brother and I. I am also  an English Teacher and Editor. Growing up as an adopted child was difficult for us; however, I turned to writing to express my pain, my story, my song, my visions and dreams. Writing was an escape to a better place for me; it provided me and all those attached to me peace

. I would enter various writing competitions and art competitions, and I would take home the prize each and every time. I then used writing to obtain scholarships for college. I attended the University of West Alabama where I graduated with my Bachelors of Science in English Language Arts in 2012, as well as receiving my Masters in 2016. I enjoyed being a part of school plays and productions were I would bring the audience to tears with my performance. While others thought I was acting, I was embodying my character every time, every line, every beat change, every word. I later moved to Hattiesburg, MS where I would travel back and forth for background work for NCIS, Apple, and various movies seen in theaters. I also enjoyed opening up for comedians and music artists for their performances throughout the city with my smooth, yet powerful spoken word. Surprisingly, I have done a lot, and as Snoop Dogg says, “I want to thank me for always believing in me; I want to thank me for never giving up” ya know, and I am most proud of that.

I am most proud that despite my many plethora of hardships and difficulties, and sometimes the lack of support, I never gave up on myself. I am always in pursuit of my dream to share my gift with the world, to be able to one day have that Tyler Perry story, and actually show kids who were once in my position, going through the things I have once gone through, that they can really attain and achieve whatever their hearts desires are. I am also proud that I am patient and selective of the projects that I am a part of. Some creatives just want to create content, and remain relevant, I however would like to be remembered and recognized for the quality of the work, not the quantity. It takes time to be great, and I while I am working, I am making sure to take my time.

I have played many lead acting roles in Memphis, TN from sold out shows ranging from comedy, drama, mystery, Syfy, and more. Memphis has given me even more experience to add to my resume. I have worked a long side of many actors, actresses, writers, directors, models, cinematographers, poets, and more. Iron sharpens iron over here, and I am continuously building my brand to depict the level of maturity, passion, experience, and commitment that I have to myself and to my passion and craft.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

There was a time in my life where I had to pivot my career in order to save myself. my life. This phase caused me to isolate myself, to become unavailable, to learn about boundaries and why it’s important to have them. There was a time when it felt I was drowning, and while everyone else was floating and swimming, I felt they did not see me due to focusing on keeping afloat themselves. I thank God, and my significant other for helping me through this time of uncertainty. Having someone in your corner really does make a difference. I thank God for my boyfriend. Big Up to him; he’s a cool guy, but anyways… We live in a world where everyone wants to make it; everyone wants to be on top, but while they are all fighting for the number one spot, they are unaware that there is room for everyone in their respective places

. I was so consumed with the thoughts of others, wanting validation for my work, my contributions to the creative world, and while in life we want a great deal of things we may not ever receive, waiting can be hell. Battling anxiety, overthinking, depression, and stress can be the worst for a creative. I say this because I did not want to write anymore; I had gotten tired of acting in plays and still not being recognized or booked for that big role, I had become discouraged. I did not even want to watch film anymore because deep down, I knew that’s where I belonged…either in front of the camera or behind the scenes. I did not just want to be a part of projects just because. I needed the environment to be right; the energy to be bright and positive, and I needed to reset and remember my why in the creative world. I mean think about, this is during a time where people are taking off by going viral versus putting in that work like back in the day.

I feel that taking a step back during your journey is important. Always self-reflect; always process your thoughts, and always pivot when it is necessary to the success of you and your brand, if that makes sense.

Is there a mission driving your creative journey?

My goals and mission during my journey is to make it to the next level each time I act or write and direct the next project. My craft is like a culminating task, it must lead to something…something that says I am here’ mama I made it. I may have hit some highs and lows, but I made it. My goals are to act amongst the greats, to sit and direct with the best of the best, to share my insight and become a resource for those who may come from underprivileged areas and backgrounds. I want to be an example that the underdog still wins.

I’d love to see my films on Netflix in that top 10 category; in movie theaters across the globe, and most importantly I want to give back to creatives who are gifted and talented, but may feel or seem overlooked. I’d love to truly one day educate them and provide them with the resources to make a difference in the world. I would love to share my story, raw and uncut because I know so many will be able to relate to it, and others may be shocked to see a person who has endured and conquered so much, thanks to God, made it in the end.

I want my creative journey to make room for future generations.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: __dannilee
• Facebook: Danni Lee
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/b-danielle
• Youtube: Danny Speaks
• Other: TikTok: _dannilee