Meet Megan Mitchell | Director of Photography / Drone Operator

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

Hi Megan, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
My father is a self-employed contractor who worked 100+ hours a week when I was a kid. He is passionate about his craft and enjoys working. I believe that had a big influence over my idea of what a career could look like. In elementary school I entered photography contests. Then in high school I took video production for years. When it was time for college I decided to study journalism and focus on camera work. I thought it would be a great way to earn a living and have some adventures. After 17 years in the industry, I realise how special it is that I truly enjoy what I do for a living.

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.
My career path has been a pretty traditional climb. I moved here in 2009 because LA was where the work was. I cold called a commercial company and secured an unpaid internship; I was paid for my set days as a PA. From there, I slowly moved up through all the positions, well as far away from the production office as possible. I remember being annoyed anytime I’d be given office work on set. I’d finish it and immediately go make myself useful to the G&E or camera team. That is where I really learned so much; on set, doing the work. I initially thought I wanted to DP indy comedies such as Little Miss Sunshine. The more I worked, the more I realised I prefer unscripted storytelling. My experience range is all over the place at this point in my career; professional sports, scripted, corporate, & live event. Last year was spent mostly outdoors filming in Washington and Alaska. This year I’ve spent 125+ days working in a jail filming intimate stories as they unfold in real time.
My amazing AC, Katrina Kinder, instead I, ”have to mention that (my) personality and light hearted kid like nature is what sets (me) apart.” I believe having a great work ethic and positive attitude can be contagious and change the entire energy of a shoot. At the end of the day, we get to make entertainment for a living and there are a ton of ways to be professional and fun. I particularly love bringing stickers & baked goods to set.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When I return from a long gig on the road my must dos in LA are pretty simple. I hit In & Out, go for a walk at the beach in the South Bay and appreciate being home, and yes, that includes sitting in traffic. Its oddly comforting after a long time gone. The rest of that week will be spent with a lot of outside time enjoying sunshine and catching up with friends. I love visiting museums, thrift shops, getting tacos and hanging out in my backyard watching the hummingbirds.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I will always appreciate my college professor, James Biddle, for treating us as students like industry professionals. He is a passionate instructor who has high standards in his classes. Professor Biddle is always happy to provide help to those who are interested in growing their craft. I still consider him a close friend and mentor all these years later. I am also grateful to Director of Photography, George Su, who welcomed me, a curious green PA, to his camera team so many years ago. He was willing to teach and promote me many times over the years and I’ll never be able to repay him for that. He is talented and an amazing human. It’s always a pleasure to work with him.