Meet Michael Blank | Producer, Director, and Photographer

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

Hi Michael, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After working several years as a photographer and director, I saw a clear benefit for myself and my clients if I could produce and art direct my own projects. My mission from the start was to produce the highest quality and impact, but without the inflated costs. I learned how many things are completely unnecessary yet expensive, and realistically many things would hinder my work more than elevate it. This was an obvious void in the market that I’d be perfect to fill. So I teamed up with my co-founder, Donna Feldman, bringing her experience as a successful actress and model, to form our production company: Straw Hat Productions.

There’s a major trade-off when becoming your own boss and running your own company. Its in line with freedom – the exchange is to sacrifice stability and security for pure responsibility.

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.
One of the questions I’ve always had is: what makes art true art? I’ve found that I’m only fulfilled as an artist when my work connects to people on a personal visceral level, which then extends to a greater positive impact on the world. For example, an architect could be masterful in the practical design which I fully respect, but it’s the architects that go above and beyond, where they create a structure that affects not only our 5 senses, but moves our consciousness as humankind, transcending generations and leaving us in awe to marvel. If we use photographers as an example, there are photographers that are perfect for accomplishing practical goals like getting all the products of a company captured proficiently, a great example of skilled application for great business results. Then, there are also the photographers that set themselves apart from the group. that every brand and actor seeks out because these photographers have such a unique perspective and aesthetic. They are undeniable in their power to inspire through their artist expression, far beyond the practical execution of a singular task. At any point in human history, we could see the photo or the architectural structure and feel the energy infused by the artist. Art in this way becomes a medium of pure energy, the human experience as a time capsule, designed to inspire and elevate anyone who indulges in it.

These are the principals that I apply in my own art. I speak my truth. I’ve come to view the world through an optimistic lens, allowing me to find beauty everywhere, so I focus all my energy into bringing that beauty to the forefront of our experience. In an an industry of ‘movie magic’ where photoshop and manipulation is rampant, it results in unrealistic beauty standards and distorted perceptions of our self worth as unique individuals. I strive to present the opposite. My view is to shine light on the beauty of our unique dispositions and even our imperfections, because to me, authenticity is far more attractive. This is why I started a video series called ‘Defining Beauty’. The acceptance of our unique diversities is far more rewarding than the idea of conforming to a monoculture. These values are a primary example of staying true to my voice, but it is not always practical for work. I understand that my perspective as an artist is not for everyone, but when I stay authentic, it attracts the right collaborators that can apply my work to the greatest affect. In fact, most of my clients approach me after they see personal projects that I create for myself, much more than when they see examples of my commercial work. I tend to attract people who want things to be captured authentically, but with my ability to focus on and bring out the intrinsic beauty from within.

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 always prefer to see an area from the perspective of the locals. Tourist attractions are ok, but I much more prefer to explore the hidden gems: a secret hiking trail or hidden beach, the neighborhood hole-in-the-wall restaurants, the antique shops with a unique assortment of historic pieces from that area. That being said, when I’m showing LA to friends I always have to show them some of my favorite secret beaches. I am not going to say specifically here because they are too valuable for me to see them over run, please forgive me. But! I will say that some of the places I love with hidden gems are in Studio City, Burbank, Korea Town, Thai Town, Pasadena, Topanga Canyon, Santa Monica, and Malibu. Each of those areas have very specific gems that I love to experience with friends and family. In general, I tend to stay away from the busier city scapes and gravitate more towards nature and small tight-knit communities.

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?
My parents were pivotal in my passion to be self driven and self reliant in the creative field. My parents began their career in Broadway Musicals, which then lead to the film Industry, so I grew up immersed in art and the idea that it can be a successful career. My friend, Lewis Tan, definitely deserves a shoutout. We bought our first professional camera together, and he connected me to his modeling and acting agents which began my photo career. We’ve been creating together ever since. There are a bunch of very important friends and mentors that all deserve a shoutout. In my experience, finding the people that can see your talents and want nothing more than to nurture them and watch them blossom into existence, purely for the joy of the results; now that is priceless!

Website: MichaelBlankPhotography.com &. StrawHatProductions.com

Instagram: instagram.com/MichaelBlankPhotography

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelBlankPhotography