Mike Smith, 27, MA Documentary Filmmaking
Hello, I’m Mike.
I’m a Cinematographer and Editor from the North West. I specialise in Documentary Filmmaking and deeply love the medium. I’m looking for work in the industry to continue my career, challenge me and make me the best filmmaker I can be.
⇩
Filmmaking and Storytelling are some of my greatest joys in life.
I’ve had a camera in my hand since an early age, starting with photography, I soon found my way to film. I love working with people and capturing their stories. I’m passionate about working on projects that matter and with people that are fuelled by that too. My Master’s has enabled me the confidence to lead with my expert opinion when called upon. I pride myself on being an adaptable member of any team and playing to our individual strengths to deliver something we can all be proud of.
Recent Works.
The best place to find my most recent projects, both personal and commercial.
A TV advert made for WUKA, a feminine hygiene brand that produces Period Pants. This advert can be seen on Sky TV channels in the UK. Made working alongside Route Nine Studios as a 1st AC.
A low-budget silent Short Christmas Film made working for Route Nine Studios as a 1st AC. Starring the amazing Amy James-Kelly of “Everyone Else Burns” and “Coronation Street” fame.
Recent Documentaries.
Below are two Projects produced during my Master’s.
‘Iktsuarpok’ is a Documentary filmed just prior to the Christmas Lockdown in 2019. We asked to people of Aberystwyth “are you hopeful?”.
The film is an experiment largely an experiment in camera presence. We found that as people’s awareness of the camera changed, their answers also changed. When filmed as a traditional interview, many participants gave obvious and almost rehearsed answers, as if they were convincing themselves they were hopeful. As the camera drew away, answers became more friendly, honest and relaxed.
My Dissertation piece ‘Representing the Unseen’, was an experiment around representation. How accurately could I build a participant’s character whilst limiting myself to the ‘Poetic Form’ of Documentary?
Without interview, diegetic sound, or revealing the participant’s face I attempted to tell the audience as much as I can about 3 participants finally ending on a self-portrait film, turning the camera on myself.
Qualifications.
MA Documentary Filmmaking: Landscape and Ecology
Graduated September 2021
Graduated with Merit
Skills.
Editing
Avid Media Composer
Premiere Pro
DaVinci Resolve Studio 17
After Effects
Photoshop
BA Film and Television Studies
Graduated July 2020
Graduated First Class
Cameras
Mirrorless DSLRS (Canon 70D, Sony A7iii)
Cinema Cameras (BlackMagic Ursa 4k, BlackMagic Pocket 6k Pro, Canon FS7, Red)
16mm Bolex Cameras
Other Skills
Drone Flying (CAA Operational Authorisation Holder)
Graphic Design
Advanced Grip Equipment (Cranes, Dollys, Sliders, Ronins etc.)
References.
“I have found Michael to be highly professional, learning agile, and focused on producing the best possible outcome. He is very easy to work with, willing to answer questions and explain why he is taking a particular approach. He clearly has an interest in the technical aspects of film making far beyond his course as demonstrated by his deep knowledge and enthusiastic engagement with speakers who had a media background.”
— Clive King, TEDxAberystwyth Organiser
“Mike is a skilled and creative cinematographer and filmmaker, who consistently makes high quality, entertaining Documentary, and Fiction films. He has a talent for producing strong visuals, working well as part of a team, leading a team, or working alone. Mike is also an experienced editor and excels in crafting his and others’ footage into exciting stories. Throughout his studies, Mike showed a strong work ethic, with a clear commitment to mastering his craft.”
— Greg Bevan PhD., Aberystwyth University
Current Location