Meet Michael Grugal

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

Hi Michael, what do you attribute your success to?
The biggest reason I’ve been successful, or why my brand has thrived, boils down to one simple thing: people like working with me. Whether it’s clients or colleagues, I’ve built solid relationships based on trust, respect, and teamwork. When folks enjoy collaborating with me, it makes everything smoother. Ideas flow freely, we solve problems together, and everyone feels valued. This positive atmosphere doesn’t just boost productivity; it also keeps people coming back and sticking around for the long haul.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being a Director of Photography is all about catching those genuine moments and crafting stories through visuals. What really makes my work stand out is my unique perspective on cinematography. I aim to bring a mix of creativity, emotion, and technical finesse to every project, hoping to strike a chord with the audience. <div>The road to where I am now? Let me tell you, it’s been quite the ride. Full of challenges and setbacks, but each one taught me something valuable. I’ve pushed through with determination, hard work, and a constant pursuit of perfection. Seeking guidance, constantly improving my skills, and embracing failure as part of the process were key in overcoming those hurdles. </div><div>Through it all, I’ve learned important lessons about resilience, teamwork, and staying true to myself. I truly believe in the power of storytelling to connect people and make a difference. And I’m committed to pushing the boundaries of my craft to create work that truly matters.</div>

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 am actually one of they very few who was born and raised in the suburbs of Los Angeles. I grew up in La Mirada which is the last city of LA County before you enter Orange County. As a kid growing up my grandparents would take me to Newport Beach nearly every weekend in the summer. If I had to build out an itinerary I guess we would need to hit up the following:
Sunday Brunch at South of Nicks in San Clemente. Probably my favorite Mexican restaurant in California plus on Sundays they have a mariachi band with an incredible female singer.
Crab Cooker in Newport Beach, CA – Lunch or Dinner. I’ve been going to this restaurant for 30 years and only ordering the same plate of food. Shrimp Skewer with coleslaw and mashed potatoes.
My wife and I love to people watch, walk around and shop. So probably the best spots for that are Fashion Island in Newport and Balboa Island Funzone; take the ferry to get to Balboa Island.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Looking back on how I got to where I am, I can’t ignore the huge role my mom played. She’s not just my mom; she’s been there through thick and thin, always pushing me to do better in my job. She never stopped believing in me, even when things got tough. Her support kept me going, and her advice helped me overcome challenges. I owe a lot to her. She’s not just my mom; she’s was like my personal coach, always cheering me on.

Website: https://www.michaelgrugal.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelgrugal.dp/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgrugal/

Image Credits
Ninh Bui Ali Ivosevich Aaron Brenner Kristen Grugal