We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Don NAPOLEON. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Don below.
Don, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
One of the most meaningful video production projects I have worked on was for the International Black Women’s Public Policy Institute (IBWPPI). The IBWPPI’s mission is to evaluate the impact of current public policies and initiate new policies that address the major threats to the well-being of Black women and their families, both in the US and internationally.
In 2010, Haiti, my homeland, experienced a devastating earthquake. Around that time, IBWPPI became a client of mine, and as I covered several hearings in Washington, DC, I developed a close relationship with the founder and the organization. Coincidentally, my own family was directly impacted by the earthquake.
IBWPPI stepped in to support and brought my family to speak on Capitol Hill. Through this project, I was able to provide assistance to my family and produce a poignant video that highlighted the suffering of women and children in Haiti. This video was later presented through the organizations network, effectively raising awareness and advocating for support for those affected by the earthquake.
Overall, this project was not only professionally fulfilling but also deeply personal, as it allowed me to combine my skills in video production with a cause that directly impacted my own life and community.
Don, 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?
Introducing Don Napoleon and the The Napoleon Complex Project: Crafting Stories that Resonate, Igniting Emotions and Transforming Visions into Reality Greetings! I’m Don Napoleon, an Emmy Award-winning producer, and the visionary force behind The Napoleon Complex Project. With over 25 years of experience in the television industry, my journey began at NBC News Channel 12 in Richmond, VA, where I honed my skills as a camera guru, video technician, and graphics specialist. Today, I proudly lead a dynamic documentary production film house based in the heart of the Washington, D.C. area.
Passion Ignited by Impactful Storytelling:
I discovered my love for storytelling early in my career when a client, moved to tears by the finished video, affirmed that I had conveyed their message in a heartwarming and unforgettable way. This defining moment sparked a realization – storytelling is my gift to the world. At The Napoleon Complex Project, we specialize in capturing every detailed moment, documentary-style, ensuring that each story is told with authenticity and emotion.
Who We Are:
The Napoleon Complex Project is not just a production company; it’s a team of dedicated professionals committed to creating stories that matter. Founded and led by myself, Don Napoleon, and my wife Erica, an experienced creative mind, we boast a versatile staff with over two decades of industry expertise. As an Emmy Award-winning producer, my commitment to excellence and passion for storytelling guide every project we undertake.
Our Services:
At The Napoleon Complex Project, we offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients:
TV Creative Services / Concept Development (Bilingual)
Marketing & Documentary Video Development
Training / Safety / Educational / Webinars / Lectures / Seminars Videos
Press Conference / Event Coverage / Panel Discussions / Annual Meetings
Webcasting & Streaming Services
Television Commercials / Infomercials (Bilingual)
Solution-Driven Approach:
Clients often turn to us when previous endeavors have fallen short, seeking a trustworthy professional to remedy the situation. I take pride in solving problems left by others, offering transparent communication and a detailed process to guide clients through their journey. Our mission is to ensure that every client not only understands the process but receives an exceptional, meaningful product that serves as their online story.
Transparent, Trustworthy, Professional:
What sets us apart is the commitment to transparency, trustworthiness, and professionalism. I am dedicated to educating clients about the storytelling process while delivering a product that surpasses expectations. As a certified brand storyteller, I bring a wealth of knowledge to every project, ensuring that your business is not just marketed but that a captivating and authentic story is told.
Proud Achievements:
What I am most proud of is the ability to transform visions into reality, crafting narratives that leave a lasting impact. The Napoleon Complex Project is not just a production company – it’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the art of creating meaningful connections through visual media. To date the following projects are the true testament to the work that we deliver: Super Bowl coverage for the NFLPA, covering events pre and outside superbowl village, stories about players back and NFL wives. Also during the NFL lock out we were hired to capture stories from players to share with the public, this gave a true behind the scenes look behind the NFL players lives. Coverage of Marches on Capitol Hill DC, National Action network has hired me and our crew to document from behind the scenes what the true message of a march is about like the March on Washington and the Walk for Haitian Refugee rights. Traveling with a Step Afrika to Morocco to document the organization as the step and perform with other cultures and countries at an international show. Hearings on Capitol Hill capturing first hand statement from the leaders and what matters. We had the honor of covering the unveiling of the Native American memorial in DC and also documented stories from Native American tribes. Another amazing project we documented nurses from the Registered Nurses Response Network as they toured and visited senate and congressional members on Capitol Hill, the main meeting was with Senator Bernie Sanders,
In choosing The Napoleon Complex Project, you are not just selecting a production team; you are choosing a partner dedicated to your success. Let’s embark on a journey together, turning your story into a masterpiece that resonates with your audience and grows your business.
How’d you meet your business partner?
The tale begins 17 years ago when I, Don Napoleon, and my now-wife and business partner, Erica, were working for two different television production networks.
Our paths initially crossed in the mundane setting of an elevator, where our eyes would meet for months without exchanging more than fleeting glances. It wasn’t until the intervention of a late fraternity brother, visiting me at work, that our story took a decisive turn. As he observed Erica, he saw a connection waiting to happen. I mentioned she was a friend, yet not more than that. He playfully challenged me, asserting that if I didn’t get her number during his next visit, he would.
Feeling the friendly pressure, that very day, I decided to make my move. We started dating, and little did we know that this would mark the beginning of a journey that extended far beyond the realm of romance. Five years into our relationship, as I faced a career setback with a layoff, Erica emerged as my unwavering support and the catalyst for a new chapter in our lives.
It was during those challenging times that Erica, with her innate creative flair, urged me to channel our collective skills into something meaningful. She played a pivotal role in naming our venture, The Napoleon Complex Project, a title that encapsulates not just our work but also the depth of our collaboration. As we embarked on this entrepreneurial journey, Erica’s creative vision became the guiding force behind each project, consistently steering us toward excellence.
It was in those moments of collaborative creativity and shared purpose that our professional partnership blossomed into a personal one. Through the trials and triumphs of building The Napoleon Complex Project, we discovered a profound connection that transcended the confines of the business world. Erica’s unwavering support and creative insight not only became the bedrock of our business choices but also the driving force behind the success we enjoy today.
Our love story intertwines seamlessly with the narrative of our business journey. Erica is not only the foundation but also the heartbeat of The Napoleon Complex Project. Her influence extends beyond individual projects, resonating in the accolades we’ve received, including the prestigious Emmy Award. Together, we continue to build on the legacy of our shared passion, creating stories that matter and leaving an indelible mark on the world of television production.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building a thriving audience on social media is an art, and the story of The Napoleon Complex Project’s journey is a testament to the impact of authenticity, engagement, and a strategic behind-the-scenes approach.
The Beginning:
When we first set out to establish our presence on social media, we quickly realized that sharing our finished video productions wasn’t enough. People were interested in the stories behind the stories – the creative process, the faces behind the camera, and the intricacies of how we brought our projects to life.
Behind-the-Scenes Magic:
Recognizing this, we decided to pull back the curtain and showcase the magic that happens behind the scenes. Every video shoot became an opportunity not just to capture the final product but to document the journey from concept to completion. We started sharing behind-the-scenes snippets, revealing the faces of our talented team, the challenges we overcame, and the laughter that echoed through our creative sessions.
Educate and Entertain:
Our social media strategy evolved to not just showcase our work but to educate and entertain our audience. We shared insights into our creative process, offering tips and tricks for aspiring filmmakers, and demystifying the technical aspects of video production. By becoming a source of knowledge and inspiration in our industry, we attracted a community of like-minded individuals who appreciated our dedication to transparency.
Engagement Through Storytelling:
Social media is a platform for storytelling, and we made sure to use it effectively. Alongside captivating visuals, we shared anecdotes, quotes, and personal experiences that resonated with our audience. This humanized our brand, fostering a deeper connection with our followers. Responding promptly to comments and messages further strengthened our engagement, making our audience feel valued and heard.
Strategic Use of Behind-the-Scenes Images:
One of our most effective tools turned out to be detailed behind-the-scenes images. These snapshots not only highlighted the technical aspects of our work but also showcased the camaraderie and passion within our team. These images became a powerful marketing tool, giving our audience a glimpse into the dedication and expertise that went into each project.
Advice for Those Starting Out:
For those embarking on the journey to build a social media presence, my advice is simple yet crucial:
Authenticity is Key: Share the authentic, unfiltered moments that make your brand unique. Audiences appreciate genuineness.
Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, ask questions, and actively participate in conversations. Social media is a two-way street.
Educate and Inspire: Share your knowledge and expertise. Become a valuable resource in your industry.
Use Visual Storytelling: Leverage the power of visuals, especially behind-the-scenes content. People love to see the process behind the final product.
Consistency is Crucial: Regularly share content to keep your audience engaged. Consistency builds trust and anticipation.
By embracing these principles, The Napoleon Complex Project not only built a robust social media presence but also cultivated a community of supporters who appreciate the art of storytelling and video production.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.napoleoncomplexproject.com , www.donnapoleon.com
- Instagram: ig dir_donnapoleon
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/napoleoncomplexproject/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnapoleon/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/napoleonedon
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DonNapoleonNCPandSCTV
- Other: www.donnapoleon.com
Image Credits
Deuce Bradwell Photography Don Napoleon Napoleon Complex Project