Conversations with Mert Birer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mert Birer

Hi Mert, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I first started as an actor in school plays and some local productions when I was seven. At the time, I had no idea that filmmaking would become my future.
Fast forward to high school—I attended a small school in Bodrum, a coastal town in southwest Turkey. During my second year, I decided to enroll in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which required me to take six core classes: three at a higher level and three at a standard level. At the time, I aspired to become a neurosurgeon, so I dedicated all my higher-level courses to that goal. However, our school also offered online film classes in collaboration with schools worldwide, and that became my first standard-level pick.
As time passed, I realized that I didn’t want to still be in school in my 30s, so I shifted my focus toward the film industry. After high school, I moved to London to attend my first official film school—and I had an absolute blast! I always knew I would end up in Hollywood, but I wanted to experience life in Europe first, and I have no regrets about that decision.
During my first week in London, I met one of my best friends, Marcus. Our cohort went out to a local pub to break the ice, and the moment we saw each other, we both felt an unspoken intrigue. Based on the energy we exchanged, there were only two possible outcomes: either we would become bitter rivals, or we would be the closest of friends. Thankfully, the latter happened. At the time, Marcus was working on various projects and invited me to be part of every single one of them. That opportunity allowed me to build my first professional network, which eventually led to my first zero-budget feature film as a director of photography (DP).
You might be wondering—what happened to acting? Well, my time in London deepened my love for the craft of storytelling through visuals rather than performing in front of the camera. After submitting that project to several local and international festivals—and earning a few awards along the way—I received an internship offer in Los Angeles.
At first, I turned it down. I wanted to finish my studies in London and spend as much time in Europe as possible because I knew that once I said yes to LA, I would throw myself fully into my craft, leaving little room for anything else. But about a month later, while biking to work (I worked as a restaurant manager at both a French and a Middle Eastern restaurant), I started thinking about the offer again. I realized that my initial refusal was rooted in laziness rather than a solid reason. So, I called the people who had made me the offer, and to my surprise, they told me it was still available.
As I biked back home, I called my mother. And I promise you, this is exactly how the conversation went:
Mert: “Hey, Mom. Remember that offer I turned down? I’ve decided to accept it.”

Mom: “I know.”

Mert: “Wait… how?”

Mom: “Because it’s the right decision. I told you so!”
My face went blank, and as soon as my mom started laughing, she immediately began asking questions about the logistics of my move.
Love you, Mom! It took a while, but I finally made the right decision.
Fast forward to LA—I enrolled at the New York Film Academy while doing my internship on the side. Both experiences were amazing. I took on as many projects as I could, constantly pushing myself to grow. Now, I’m preparing to shoot my thesis film, Occultas Personas, in LA—and I couldn’t be more excited!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Looking back now—yes, I made it. I’m here in one piece, both physically and mentally.
Every pre-production process had me freaking out. Just ask my best friend, James—he probably received over 50 texts in total about how I was panicking over whatever project I was working on at the time. But in the end, after each production wrapped, I would look back and say, “Well, that went better than I expected,” and then move on to the next project a day later.
One of my biggest struggles was my herniated disc. In August 2023, I was officially diagnosed, but I had already been dealing with unbearable pain for four months prior. The recovery process lasted another six months, during which I physically struggled with even the simplest movements. Leaving the house wasn’t an option. Thankfully, I was back home in Turkey for most of that time, which made everything a little easier.
Beyond the physical struggle, I often found myself growing bored of my own ideas, leading to drastic changes in my scripts. While these changes ultimately improved my work, restarting a script from scratch when I was already halfway through was never easy. I spent countless sleepless nights rewriting scenes and redoing shot lists.
Before I had a car, James—God bless him—would pick me up on the way to school. Many times, he walked into my apartment to find me surrounded by empty Turkish coffee cups, a French press, and used coffee pods. Either classical music or a specific genre I had chosen for a film would be playing in the background. Lost in my creative process and completely unaware of time, I would still be in my pajamas, staring at my whiteboard like a deer caught in headlights. James would sigh, pour himself a cup of coffee, glance at my notes, and simply say, “We need to leave in ten.”
After I got ready, he would take another good look at my whiteboard, and we’d start discussing the ideas I had come up with the night before.
So, if I had to sum up my biggest struggle, it would be my uncertainty.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a filmmaker specializing in cinematography and storytelling with a strong foundation in directing and visual storytelling.
I specialize in crafting visually compelling narratives, drawing inspiration from film noir and psychological thrillers. My approach is deeply rooted in bringing suspense, tension, and drama to the screen, ensuring that every frame enhances the emotional depth of the story. Whether as a director of photography, director, or producer, I treat every project—no matter its scale—as if it were my dream project, which is something that has built strong collaborations and lasting creative partnerships.
What sets me apart is my relentless commitment to my craft. I’ve worked on countless productions, often pushing through physical and creative challenges, including a herniated disc that left me bedridden for months. Despite setbacks, I never lost my drive—I would rewrite scripts late into the night, refine shot lists, and immerse myself in every detail of production. My adaptability, dedication, and ability to transform challenges into opportunities have allowed me to continuously evolve as a filmmaker.
One of my proudest achievements was my first feature film as a cinematographer. With no budget, my team and I made something we truly believed in, and it ended up winning several awards. That experience reinforced my belief that passion and dedication can turn even the most challenging projects into something remarkable. Now, as I gear up to shoot Occultas Personas, I’m more excited than ever to push my creative limits and bring another compelling story to life.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Among the many things I’ve learned, one principle I always stick to is treating every project as if it were my dream project.
Especially in film school, you’ll come across people who are only involved in projects to get a diploma or just to pass the time. But for me, no matter the scale of the project or my role in it—whether I’m a production assistant or the cinematographer—I give it my all. I’m living the life I always dreamed of, so I make the most of every opportunity.
Plus, when you genuinely care about other people’s projects, it builds strong relationships. People recognize your passion, and they want to work with you again. And before you know it, you’re collaborating on a feature film together—one that wins awards and opens doors to even bigger opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mertali499.wixsite.com/portfolio
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mert_ali_birer?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/mbcinematography?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr