Danny Stygion shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Danny, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Who are you learning from right now?
I’ve been learning how to work with synthesizers from my friend and musician, August Befort. August has been teaching me how to make synth music and work with self contained synthesizers and modular synthesizers. I became interested in this because I wanted to learn how to make music for my films in the style of John Carpenter, but then I went down a rabbit hole and it became an obsession. August is featured in my upcoming documentary, Synth Headz.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Danny Stygion. I’m a photographer, publisher of Sinical Magazine, and a filmmaker. I have directed 10 short films, including a series of mental health videos for the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and I have directed 4 full length films (The Goetia Diaries, Bayou City Burlesque, One Last Trip, Dominatrices) that are currently streaming on platforms, such as Amazon Prime Video, Tubi, and RELAY. I have two films in post production: Ghosts of Texas: Galveston and Synth Headz.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I feel that poor communication breaks the bonds between people. Some relationships can be one sided affairs, and I’m at the stage in my life where I don’t indulge in that, especially when it comes to friendships and when it comes to work. I’m trying to get things done and accomplished. If you are not responding to me in a timely manner or at all, then you one day find that I have moved on in life. What can restore it? It will take a lot of effort to restore a damaged relationship between people, but it can be done.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell me younger self to take more risks and not be so complacent. You can’t get to where you want to be without taking risks.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to continuing to make films. I don’t have a specific number I want to make so long as I’m always working on something. I had wanted to be a filmmaker when I was a teenager, but I really didn’t get serious about it until my late 30’s, and now at age 45, I’m working on films all the time.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I want to be remembered as a good son, husband, friend, and father. Artistically, I want to be remembered as a good filmmaker, photographer, and magazine publisher.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stygion.com
- Instagram: @dannystygion
- Linkedin: @dannystygion
- Twitter: @sinicalmagazine
- Facebook: @dannystygion
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dannystygion/videos
