For the first of many interviews, in the heroes are everywhere movement, DC Visionaries was happy to sit down with Daniel Degallier. Daniel’s a well-spoken fraternity gentleman looking to capitalize on the rising popularity in the drone based market. Just minutes into the interview you could tell this guy knew his stuff, and by stuff we mean everything drones. From building them, to flying them, to crashing them (scary thought) Daniel is your eye in the sky and a valued asset on any production team. Here’s a peek inside his head. 

What is your name, your company, and what are you currently doing in the creative industry?

My name is Daniel Degallier (yeah, a bit French), and I am the owner of T-16 Studios LLC. We are an aerial imaging company based in Menomonie, WI – just a skip from the Twin Cities. We specialize in anything that flies, and most people know our rigs as drones.

We’re going to new heights and getting media that no one else can even imagine, we’re not afraid to get our hands dirty and take some well-assessed risks to get a unique perspective with professional photo and video services. We’re also using the drones for geo mapping. This technology is going to change the game in all disciplines. 

“NOT BEING AFRAID OF FAILURE, CRASHES, OR REJECTION MAKES ME FEEL LIKE I CAN TAKE ON THE WORLD.”

How did you get involved doing what you’re doing?

I’ve wanted to fly since I was five, and I’ve had some sort of remote control in my hand since I was two. If that says anything about where my passions are, it’s for everything that is drones. From cars and tanks, to blimps, boats, and airplanes, my childhood was filled with building, operating, and crashing (in that order) these machines.

Model aircraft were always my biggest interest, and where every penny I earned went. I am greatly inspired by my Grandpa and his love for full scale and model aviation, and his creativity to challenge the materials and instructions. DIY for life!

With experience in product design and business, I decided I wanted to turn my passion into a career and jump into the drone industry. I’ve always wanted to fly, and this is the most creative way I can think to do it without hot-gluing feathers to my arms and jumping off a really tall building.

What makes you feel like a hero every day?

I feel like a hero every time I realize I’m on the path to do what I love, to make other people happy. Creating is something that really lets me think. When I’m building or editing, tinkering or repairing, I get to learn at every step and make mistakes to make me stronger.

Not being afraid of failure, crashes, or rejection makes me feel like I can take on the world. Not to mention, walking down the street with a drone and controller in my hand and grinning because all I can think of is Top Gun.

What’s your favorite part about the creative process?

Seeing peoples’ reactions when I take the drone out of the case, take off for the first flight, and when I show them the footage for the first time on their screen. Spreading the enjoyment is my favorite part throughout the process, not just any one particular part along the way.

“I GET TO LEARN AT EVERY STEP AND MAKE MISTAKES TO MAKE ME STRONGER.”

Hardest struggle to overcome and current adversity you are facing? 

The media and the general public is my biggest struggle right now. Everything from the term “drone” and it’s connotations, to the legality discussion that the FAA has been bombarding the media with are big struggles with getting the public to understand that what I’m doing is not dangerous, illegal, or invasive. That’s a big animal to talk down; it’s an incredible immediate challenge.

What would help you grow either personally or in your business right now?

A mentor in the field that is ahead of me by a few years would be amazing. I am mostly at this on my own, and bringing in others to help me along the way. Internet and discussion forums help a ton, but having someone that has been in my shoes and survived would really take some stress off!

If you could be a hero or villain who would it be and why?

Even though he doesn’t fly, the Green Arrow. I’ve always had a thing for archery and motorcycles, and I really enjoy the film style of the new show! I’d give my lower left kneecap for that beautiful Ducati…