Conversations with Max Margolin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Max Margolin. 

Hi Max, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I started at a relatively young age. In 7th grade, I saw an 8th grader talk about a simple short film they made for a class project, but I was immediately captivated. I’ve always loved movies, but it was the behind-the-scenes discussion that got me interested. Just a simple chat about two angles cut together at just the right moment got me excited. I got together with two friends and convinced my parents to buy me a high 8 camera and I haven’t looked back since. After multiple great video programs at Santa Barbara high school and shooting a lot during a 4-year term at CSUN, I worked on everything I could in the camera department. Having some grip and gaffer experience, I moved onto AC-ing and then operating as well as DP-ing on smaller independent things. Now I am a union camera operator in local 600 but also do a lot of non-union work as well. Mainly operating on TV, Docs, Commercials, narrative, and behind the scenes. I also DP on independent shorts and features as well as other types of shoots. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road to get to where I am today. Struggles to find work and more importantly, the work that I desire is a consistent challenge. There is the constant need of reaching out and never-ending job interviews or emails to fight for even a day’s work. Choices are often met with extra weight if choosing between gigs and which to take. You never know which one-day gig can lead to a lifetime of work or a career advancement. I am thankful for where I’m at today, but these challenges remain present. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Lately, I’ve been mostly camera operating or being a director of photography on TV shows and behind-the-scenes material for some big shows/movies for HBO, Disney, and Netflix. I especially enjoy the variety of my work, jumping between two totally different projects at a time keeps things challenging and interesting. It also makes my resume diverse and often offers a yes answer to if I’ve shot a certain type of project before. 

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I just hope to continue to grow, learn, and be pushed in any of my gigs. I love camera operating and DP-ing so plan to keep pursuing both. The goal is to get more union work as that’s the top level of filming. 

Contact Info:

• Website: maxmargolin.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/setstuffs/