Danny holds a BFA in Radio/TV/Film Communications and a Master of Fine Arts Degree, both of which led to his first gig as Writer/Producer/Director (notice the stockpile of slashes) at the nation’s number one ABC affiliate. He joined Mad Genius in the early days – before we even had a name. In fact, one of Danny’s first assignments was to come up with one. Yes, “Mad Genius” was his idea. Since then, his mastery of Copywriting/Screenwriting/Acting/Storyboard Drawing has made an indelible mark on a myriad of award-winning campaigns.

What is your hometown?

That’s a tie between Metairie, LA, and Ocean Springs, MS. Metairie owns my childhood; that’s where I spent my “Goonies” years. Ocean Springs was more “Breakfast Club” with unrealistic hopes of “Weird Science.”

Share a bit about your Family.

I live with my girlfriend who makes sure I eat vegetables on a regular basis, a shelter dog that is more muppet than canine, and a very large cat that stands poised to devour us all.

What are your hobbies? What’s your passion?

When I’m not writing, I’m in rehearsal for a show, usually with Fondren Theatre Workshop or New Stage. I also do some fight choreography around town, teach youth workshops, volunteer with the animal shelter and perform stand-up comedy—which is utterly terrifying and incredibly satisfying at the same time…kind of like enjoying the best steak dinner you’ve ever had, but doing so in a room full of lions.

How did you hear about Mad Genius?

I’ve been with Mad Genius since the very beginning, early summer 2005.

Tell us about your first day at Mad Genius.

I wore a duck suit. My first task was working with a crew of actors for some TV spots. We were portraying a group of “scientists” that were actually all game animals. It was the middle of June. We all lost about 8 pounds of water weight a day wearing giant bodysuits of fake fur and feathers.

What’s your greatest accomplishment at Mad Genius?

Naming the company is probably the coolest. Otherwise, I’d say my greatest accomplishment was turning Bruce’s Yams into the John Shaft of the vegetable world.

What Genius memories stand out?

Our first Open House. Some of our clients showed up dressed as “lab rats”, demonstrating how well our name was going over. Traveling out to Joe Gibbs Racing for a week on the pit crew for Farm Bureau Insurance Racing, and discovering that I could hold my own as a NASCAR tire-changer.

What’s your most NON-Genius moment at Mad Genius?

Spending way too much time trying to find a sheep to use for our 2011 Holiday Video. In the end, it was totally worth it, but it originally started out as a “simple” project that we could “knock out in a couple of days.”

What is the one thing no one really knows about you?

I almost majored in Criminology based solely on how much I liked the suits the detectives wore in “Law & Order.”

Of all the world’s geniuses, whom do you most admire?

Walt Disney. Who started out in advertising, just so you know…