Cardiff man celebrated at prestigious King's Trust Awards
After overcoming severe panic attacks and anxiety, Dan created his own production company
The King’s Trust Awards celebrate the incredible achievements of young people across the UK.
Among those winners is 26-year-old Dan from Cardiff.
“I used to feel lost but now I have clarity, direction, and something that’s truly mine”
After graduating with a degree in film, Dan went straight into film industry but quickly realised to tell stories and create he would have to make his own production company. With the rising cost of living and stiff competition, he juggled a string of jobs from supply teaching to food delivery to stay afloat, let alone buy any film kit which at the time he had none.
“I had the ideas and a passion, but I didn’t know how to turn them into something sustainable or have the literal camera gear to go and film. All my experience was solely from renting cameras out during my film degree.”
Dan had long dreamed of starting a creative business, but the journey towards that dream felt uncertain. He says things began to shift after joining the Enterprise programme with The King’s Trust.
“Joining the Enterprise programme definitely marked a turning point for me, I had the space to think seriously about my goals and how to make them happen.”
Dan launched 66 Days, a production company focused on story-led, authentic content:
“My business is called 66 Days because that’s how long it takes to build a habit. There was a time when I was dealing with severe anxiety and panic attacks. I had to take things one day at a time. Creating positive routines helped me get through a lot and now they shape how I work and what I create.”
Today, 66 Days is an award-winning company working with national brands and organisations, creating campaigns, promotional films, and social-first content that helps clients connect with their audiences. The business has earned international attention, including BBC coverage for a recent documentary in Norway and his award-winning short film Benighted, reaching over 1,000,000 views on YouTube.
“I’ve been able to collaborate with talented creatives and tell stories that reflect real experiences, it’s been incredibly rewarding.”
In the last year, Dan’s work has taken him to Tanzania, Australia, China, Singapore, Paris, and the Arctic Circle.
“Travelling was something I used to dream about. I’d never really had the chance to do the classic gap year travelling. Now I’ve been paid to film in some of the most incredible places on earth. I still have to remind myself that it’s real.”
Dan’s passion for helping others take their first steps into business:
“To give back and help others starting out has been a big passion of mine. I’ve had the chance to run workshops and mentor young people who are just beginning their journeys within film and the creative industries.
“None of this would’ve been possible without the support I received from The King’s Trust. They helped me take what was in my head and turn it into something real. I used to feel lost but now I have clarity, direction, and something that’s truly mine.”