Meet Daniel Salazar-hopps | Owner and Director at Kingbird

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniel Salazar-hopps and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniel, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The thought process behind starting my business was what I feel a very organic one. I believe I was born to be an entrepreneur, a business owner. I had a corporate job for a few years and it was time for me to get back to where I felt stronger and where I felt that I could provide benefit to others the most. Being an artist by nature, I started Kingbird Media Company embarking on my most ambitious chapter yet. In launching Kingbird, I wanted to create a dynamic team of talented visual arts professionals that can provide a deeply collaborative and empowering experience for individuals and companies we serve.

Kingbird is not just making films; we’re creating a platform for voices that need to be heard and stories that can change perspectives. With every project, Kingbird Crew reaffirms a commitment to using our talents to illuminate the resilience of the human spirit and inspire positive change.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My path to becoming a filmmaker is as unique and compelling as the stories I try to tell. Born in Mexico and growing up in the United States since the age ten, my early life was shaped by adaptation and determination. Where many saw obstacles, I saw opportunities to learn and grow, and to explore different dimensions of the human experience. My journey into visual storytelling had roots in my early passion for music and music recording. I found himself drawn from a young age to the power of visual arts.

This spark of interest would ignite into a full-blown passion for photography and film, fueled by an innate desire to capture and share powerful narratives. I became a self-taught professional filmmaker and photographer, weaving together my passion for visual storytelling as well as the power of music and sound. My approach to filmmaking is deeply personal. I don’t just observe stories; I try to connect with them. Whether it’d be in a bustling hospital corridor or a quiet moment of triumph, finding the heart of a narrative is my goal. trying to reveals the strength, vulnerability, and humanity in every subject.

What sets me apart is my unwavering belief in the transformative power of authentic storytelling. He doesn’t shy away from complex subjects or difficult emotions. Instead, he leans in, using his craft to bridge gaps of understanding and foster empathy. Some of my next steps is to be more inclusive and think of those folks who can not see or hear my work. How can I include them in what I do?

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.
I used to hang out in Montrose circa 2009-2018 and lived some time in the neighborhood. It has changed a lot but it is still one of my favorite parts of the city. There are a bunch of new “hubspots” that are great. Downtown has change a lot and love seeing new places near Discovery Green or all along Main st. The Post is amazing and has the best view of downtown skyline. The East end is growing into a great area as well. I think we’re lucky in the diversity we have so I definitely try to eat all the different food we have available in Houston and then the museums. I love the Menil Collection, MFAH and CAM. Dive bars are my preferred choice but there are lots of great places with themes like Mad Houston with incredible food.

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?
I’ve been lucky to have friends who, perhaps without knowing it, have pushed me and shown me I am capable of more. My best friend Jim Gomorra and probably also Simon Peña led me into this creative world and sparked my interest in art and self-expression.

My mom raised me on her own, and I saw the dedication and resilience she had while we grew up. I owe her a lot, and I need to write a book about that.

In recent years, my wife has played a tremendous role in my life. She not only made me a father, but we’ve faced many challenges together and held each other every step of the way. She is a beautiful soul, and I love calling her my wife.

And then there’s my son—I never thought I could have so much gratitude in my life, but he has shown me how to admire the simple things again.

Finally, my therapist has helped me examine the stories in my mind and my shadow self, guiding me toward balancing my soul, ego, and shadow.

Website: https://www.kingbirdcrew.com

Instagram: @kingbirdcrew

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielsalazarhopps/