STORY DIRECTOR

Danami-Maurice Champion

Danami Smiling with hand on face

Danami is a multifaceted individual whose passion for diversifying Christian media is evident in all his pursuits. As the lead steward of BairStories, he oversees operations and story development.

With a track record of successful behavior change campaigns for clients such as Allina Health, HealthPartners, Minneapolis Farm to School Program, and the University of Minnesota, Danami is superb at crafting stories that resonate with diverse audiences.

Danami's musical talents are equally impressive, having received the prestigious McKnight Artist Fellowship grant of $25,000 - a first for a hip-hop artist. His music has also been featured on the CW show "All American."

Danami inspires and motivates others to think critically and positively impact the world through his creative endeavors.

Professional Summary
Danami is a dynamic and innovative Story Director with over over a decade of experience in emotive storytelling, brand strategy, and content production. He has proven track record in elevating empathy, community engagement, and donations for non-profit organizations, particularly in the environmental justice sector. 

Recognized for creative leadership, team mentorship, and a passion for driving social change through powerful storytelling. Danami is Skilled in film and video direction, music production, and strategic communications, adept at translating complex ideas into compelling narratives. 
Professional Experience
BairStories
Story Director + Co-Founder (Jul 2022 - Present) 
Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

DANAMI Music
Songwriter & Producer (Sep 2009 - Present)
Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

TruArtSpeaks
Lead Communications Strategist (Jul 2021 - Apr 2023)
St Paul, Minnesota

Street Factory Media
Head of Post Production (Sep 2019 - Jun 2020), Minneapolis
Senior Video Editor (Jul 2017 - Oct 2019), Minneapolis

Community Blueprint
Brand Strategist (Jan 2014 - Jul 2019)
Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Skills
  • Storytelling
  • Brand Strategy
  • Marketing
  • Video Direction & Production
  • Leadership & Mentorship
  • Music Writing & Production
Artist Statement
As a documentary filmmaker, I believe in storytelling to bridge gaps and foster empathy. I capture the human experience through my camera lens, especially within environmental justice. My aim? To spark connections and inspire action by displaying God's love and grace, redeem broken relationships, and bring healing to creation.

I discovered the power of storytelling through my diverse creative experiences in songwriting, brand identity design, and video production. It was an unseen thread woven into all my work, revealing itself through my interactions with people.

My journey began with my grandmother, whose attentive listening taught me the importance of genuinely hearing others. Her influence instilled a deep-seated value for human connection, shaping my filmmaking approach. When people tell me, "Thank you for listening" or "You ask great questions," I see it as affirmation that my gift lies in making others feel heard.

For me, storytelling is an act of love and sacrifice. It's about putting others first, being quick to listen and slow to speak, and genuinely understanding the person before me. Each documentary I create is a testament to this practice. I chose documentaries over narratives because of the direct, human connection I make with people. The people, not other filmmakers or films, inspire me the most.

My creative process is simple yet profound: listen, digest, brainstorm. I strive to visually amplify the emotions of the stories I tell, aiming to provoke deep thought and genuine feeling in my audience. While technology like lenses, camera angles, and movement play a role, my primary focus is always the heart of the story. Over time, my work has evolved from being tech-driven to heart-driven, where technology enhances the emotional impact of each narrative.

Join me in seeing the world through empathy and action—let's connect, hear people's stories, and bring us closer to healing.

BairStories

We’re a film and video production company for environmental organizations. We craft emotive stories that elevate empathy, build community, and drive funding.

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