About
Behind the Mikes
We're Mike & Mike
The co-founders of Focus Forward Media. We’re friends first, creatives at heart and always bouncing new ideas off of each other. We know so much of our success comes from collaboration - not only with each other - but with our clients as well!
Happy Accidents
Mike Neilan first picked up a camera in 2009 when a skateboarding injury sidelined him until further notice.
After Mike recovered, he returned to the skate park – not with his board this time, but with a camera. As he began to film his friends, Mike realized he had found his new passion. He started college on the right foot having landed an internship with a prominent production company his freshman year. As time moved on at Framingham State University, Mike N. started taking on freelance video projects; shooting weddings, corporate events, and marketing videos for small businesses.
Our Story
Charting the Course
A freshman at Exeter-West Greenwich High School, Mike McDonough took his first steps into Mr. Rounds’ film class completely unaware that this single course was about to shape the rest of his life.
It was in the classroom, learning hands-on and in the field that Mike M. learned how to create, market, and monetize this expressive form of art. He soon fell in love with filmmaking and went on to obtain his degree in Digital Filmmaking from Champlain College. After college, Mike packed up and moved out of Little Rhody. Earning field experience in the two biggest markets possible, Mike took on jobs with media companies in both LA and NYC.
One day in 2017, after moving back to his home state of Rhode Island, Mike McDonough accepted a job at a marketing agency in Massachusetts…. the same marketing agency where Mike Neilan had been working. There, the two Mikes met and instantly hit it off. The Mikes worked great together; complementing each other’s weaknesses with their respective strengths.
Moving (Focus) Forward
It didn’t take long before Mike & Mike had aspirations of starting a company of their own.
In January of 2018 dreams became a reality when Focus Forward Media was born. Now, after working with over 50 clients, getting an office space, and doubling their staff -Focus Forward Media is ready for any new challenges ahead.
Mike Neilan
Co-founder | Director, Marketing & Operations
What's the greatest piece of advice you've ever been given?
"Work hard for what you want in life; nothing will be given to you. "
Mike McDonough
Co-founder | Creative Director
What's the greatest piece of advice you've ever been given?
"Don’t waste your time worrying about things you can’t control. "
Our Team
Alexis Emond
Production Manager
What's the greatest piece of advice you've ever been given?
"The stumbles are the stories."
Dylan Mello
Video Editor
What's the greatest piece of advice you've ever been given?
"Play the cards that you're given."
Brent McCarron
Video Producer | Editor
Jafeth Vargas
Photographer & Editor
Leia Onofrey
Video Editor
