We had the good fortune of connecting with Darrius Magee and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Darrius, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started out shooting music videos and commercials for small businesses and brands. I often enjoyed putting the pieces of the visual together, behind the scenes through post production rather than actually going out and shooting. I saw that many businesses would have content already shot, but absolutely no one to edit. I saw it as a no brainer to tactfully switch from a videography business to a video editing business, offering that service most were seeking and more. From that it grew into what is now, Red Echelon Post.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’ve always loved the “behind the scenes” vibe. I felt like that’s where the magic happens the most to curate the end visual people see. Being that I used to shoot music videos, commercials, and other short form branded content, I’ve found editing the content more enjoyable than shooting it. This epiphany was further encouraged when COVID had the world on lock down and no one was shooting videos. Demand literally dropped and now I was forced to find a solution that didn’t involve contact. This brought forth an idea like why don’t I just hone in and further develop my editing skills. From then I went on to do just that and achieve more success in becoming a freelance editor. Constantly posting spec work on my IG and actually getting DM’s from people I’ve never met, wanting post production work. Work grew steady and I knew from then on it was time to make that switch I’ve been subliminally stagnant on. Red Echelon Post was born and has been on GO ever since. I believe in manifestation and prayer. Totally switching up my business model in providing a source where upcoming producers, film-makers, and directors can obtain quality post production services without the financial hassle and still get that hands on care for their project. My company offers offline/online editing, color grading, music production, and more. I’ve got the opportunity to work with some GREAT directors, producers, artists, businesses along that way that further helped Red Echelon grow. Fast forward to now, I’m looking to continue to grow and provide even more services to the ULB (Ultra Low Budget) projects, as well as projects with bigger budgets.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ha! I confess: I don’t get out much other than with my wife and daughter. But a great grown night out to me is hitting up Fellaship or other cigar bars, coupled with fine dining. I’m simple. My wife and daughter tuned me into nature so any park with a trail to take Gods greatness in and refocus my mind is good enough for me. I’m a simple man.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First a shoutout to GOD himself. Of course my direction and blessings come from him. Major key source of my spiritual wellness. My wife Naomi and daughter Natalie, who keep that push going and provide inspiration and encouragement throughout stressful situations in life and especially in business. They are my absolute PEACE and ESSENTIAL to my overall well-being and feedback for client projects sometimes. My parents and my sisters and brother back at home in Mississippi who are apart of my support group. My guy Kwasi Kwa! Who is my mentor and has provided opportunities to hone in on my craft and has supported my businesses tremendously! Kayland Partee of Partee Photography, one of the most hardworking photographers/videographers I know! It’s always an alley-oop when we link up for a project. Kayland definitely pushes me to be innovative and to take risks on things. Always going for the unorthodox method. to achieve better than before results. Lastly, Roger Alexander of Alpha Male Visuals. The only Atlanta based Director to believe in my ability to edit and trust my eye. I’ve got to work on some DOPE projects through him and am forever grateful for the opportunities he has provided. That’s something big for me, cause no one owes you anything nor has to do anything for or with you. You have to prove yourself, and for that, I am humbled.
Website: www.redechelonpost.com
Instagram: Iamyptheproducer