We had the good fortune of connecting with David Parada and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
In High-school I had film teacher that always poured words of encouragement into us. He said a quote that has stuck with me all this time. He said

“Shoot for the stars and you might land on a mountain top; Either way you’re still up pretty high!

What I like about this quote is: It gives a sense of going for it without the fear of not making it far.
in the end and how its applied to my life is – I wanted to shoot movies and even though I don’t shoot movies, I shoot and direct music videos and tour with huge artist and at the time back then I didn’t know these things were possible.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
There’s a lot to unload here. This journey is not for the faint of heart. I think what sets me apart from other creatives is not so much the work but the connection I make with clients through shaking hands and being relatable to them. Being able to be a good “hang” is super important in the creative niche I’m apart of. Imagine being locked in a moving tube for 9 weeks at a time, you gotta be able to hang and to co-exist amongst other folks from all walks of life.

I got to where I am by being consistent. Going out to local shows 3-4 times a week and shaking as many hands as possible was crucial in this success journey.

Being good at your craft is defiantly building block #1 – on that note don’t ever think that you can’t improve your craft or stop learning. This industry is constantly evolving and so should you. Don’t ever get stuck in your ways cause you will get left behind.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Gotta show them the Haltom Theater (this is where I built my career)
its a place where people gather to watch live music and fellowship amongst other people who share similar passions. its an awesome fucking place – in my opinion one of the best live music venues in Texas

we gotta get some BBQ if you are visiting Texas.. we are home to an awesome place called “Terry Blacks”
IYKYK

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many people to credit but ill start off with one person in particular

I give a lot of credit to my mother, who recently passed away in Feb of 2025. She was my biggest fan. she always poured words of affirmation and made me believe at a young age that I could be anything and do anything I set my mind to. Thankfully she saw me accomplish tons incredible things before she passed.

I also MUST credit my wife Nikki who is my biggest rock. She holds down our castle while I’m out venturing, shaking hands & making the next moves.

Close Friends Kase, Mycah, Brian, Cody, Kory, Mark & Kevin for always being in my corner

The hundreds of clients that booked with me since starting this venture

Instagram: @directorparada

Facebook: @directorparada

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.