#042 - Danny McMahon (@Dodford) on Film, Inspiration, Storytelling, & Creativity

Audience of One

Danny McMahon (@Dodford on YouTube) is a filmmaker and documentarian, known for his portraits of pop culture icons. We talk about filmmaking and art, storytelling and inspiration, simplicity and experimentation, identifying your talent, and psychology.

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(00:37) Why documentaries & the ease of remixing

(03:11) Profiling inspiring individuals who overcome hurdles

(05:14) You can't give up

(06:29) Do one small thing & one new thing every day

(09:29) Explore & exploit; using YouTube to get to cinema

(12:47) Skills he’s mastered vs. need more work; remember that you know how to do it

(16:59) The evolution of his filmmaking: from gaming to documentaries

(22:37) Balancing your story vs. the subject’s

(25:54) Removing elements & tools and adding them back later

(32:05) Never have preconceived ideas about someone else's story

(34:02) When is a video ready to publish?

(36:45) Take people on a journey, from sad to inspired

(38:11) Making what you want vs. for the audience

(42:11) Tradeoffs of excellence; no sacrifices

(44:59) Creativity isn't a skill you can ever master

(47:34) Processes vs. goals

(49:23) Biggest fear: losing the confidence & ability to create

(52:30) Knowing your main tool in your toolbox

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Danny’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/dannymcmahon

Dodford YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DodfordYT

Spencer’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/SP1NS1R

Spencer’s Blog: https://spencerkier.substack.com