Meet Mike Klaric | Camera Operator

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

Hi Mike, what makes you happy? Why?
Being able to be creative always makes me happy, which is why I am so grateful to have a career being behind the camera as a camera operator. Rollerblading is also a big part of my life and a very crucial part of what led me to this career. Being able to combine my passions of rollerblading and camera operating is always a special treat.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been interested in the craft of camera operating and art of cinematography since a young age leading all the way back to elementary school. I was obsessed with watching skate videos and would often find myself being fascinated with the people who are doing the filming and what gear they are using more than the actual skating that is happening.

I have never had another plan for a career and have always put 110% of my passion into pursuing cinematography. After high school I then went on to study cinematography at Columbia College Chicago. Being a freelance camera operator in the film/television industry is not an easy feat by any means. It can come with periods of little to no work, traveling away from home and the grueling “normal” hours of industry being 12+hrs a day.

I think what got me to this point is having a positive mindset and just being genuine. I’ve learned over my 10+ years in the industry that the crews you work with quickly can become your second family since you can be spending long days together. Being kind sounds like such an obvious trait to have but it’s such an important characteristic and can go a long way but is unfortunately often forgotten. I always strive to be kind because I strongly believe in healthy work environments for everyone.

I am so grateful to be able to be looking through a camera in any capacity and get paid to do so. I love flexing my creative muscles behind the lens and really getting in on the action to capture whatever the story may be that’s unfolding in front of me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My wife and I moved here to Los Angeles from Chicago, IL 8 years ago, so we are always excited to have friends or family members visit.

The great weather makes things easy to plan. We love being outside in nature, taking photos and going on hikes. Since there are so many hiking trails and beaches in Los Angeles there is always a new location to explore. Another thing very near and dear to me is comedy, I LOVE to laugh. Whenever I have someone visiting I always plan on a night at the Comedy Store comedy club for so some live stand up comedy. In my opinion one of the best comedy venues in the country.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have had a long career so far and wouldn’t be here without the support, guidance, encouragement and love from so many individuals past and present. First and foremost are my mom and dad for being some of the most supportive people in my crazy career path since day one, never ever denying my passions for wanting to work in the film/television industry and always pushing me to take a path that brings me happiness and fuels my creativity. They noticed my love for cameras and filming rollerblade videos at such a young age and as soon as I was vocal about making it my career path, they couldn’t have been more supportive.

I also wouldn’t be anywhere without my wife Shannon. Since she also works in the creative realm of photo/video she’s very understanding of how crazy the work schedules of this industry can be and always is such a strong person to have in my corner if and when times get tough. She truly is an amazing person, always pushing me to be the best I can possibly be.

The Society of Camera Operators (SOC) is an amazing organization I have been a member of and volunteering with for many years. This organization has been a great group for me to network with other camera operators and creatives, while also learning from the SOC’s growing library of information on the craft.

Also, just to quickly mention some of my colleagues who have helped me and who I have enjoyed working with including Kristin Fiduccia, Cory Popp, Logan Futej, Christopher Wiitala, Jason Nolte, Casey Bohrnell and Joe Hoffman to name a few. I’ve learned a lot from all of them and they’ve helped me grow as a camera operator.

Website: https://www.mikeklaric.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krazyklaric/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-klaric-49738b47/

Image Credits
Logan Futej