We recently had the chance to connect with michael mcneil and have shared our conversation below.
Hi michael, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Date nights with my wife, Sienna, eating our way through L.A.’s mom-and-pop gems. We catch up, laugh, and try something new—and yes, sometimes the camera sneaks in because I can’t resist a good story.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a Director of Photography and sound mixer based in Los Angeles, originally from Baltimore. I specialize in lean, mobile productions—documentary, branded, and fashion—where trust, timing, and resourcefulness matter. What makes me different is the combo of camera + sound + calm under pressure; I can walk into a live environment, build rapport fast, and leave with footage that feels cinematic and true. Right now I’m working on ‘The American Border Story,’ a documentary project, a satirical mockumentary series, and a YouTube series exploring iconic L.A. filming locations. My brand is simple: keep crews tight, keep the vibe respectful, and let the story lead.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mother saw me first. When I doubted whether I’d make it in this industry, she’d say, ‘Just hold on—it’s coming.’ I’ve carried that line with me since she passed in 2022. My wife, Sienna, saw me next—she keeps me honest, grounded, and reminds me that the way I treat people is as important as the images I make. And an instructor at the Sheffield Institute pulled me aside early on and told me my calm is my superpower—that I make sets feel safe. Between my mom’s faith, Sienna’s steady belief, and that mentor’s push, I started to see myself the way they did.”
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. There was a stretch in L.A. when invoices lagged, rent was real, and I seriously considered moving to Vegas to cut costs. L.A. will test you—financially and mentally. I almost tapped out. Instead, I worked overtime at the VA to afford the expensive gear I needed and rebuild my credit—thankfully, I didn’t have to grind like that for long. My wife, Sienna, invested in me—sometimes we redirected $2,000 that should’ve gone to rent toward equipment—and my family backed me. I thank God every day; we still can’t believe the opportunities that started coming. I doubled down on what makes me different: running lean, wearing both the DP and sound mixer hats, saying no to bad deals, and building relationships one honest job at a time. I tightened budgets, asked for deposits, and focused on being the calm, solution-first person on set. And my mom’s voice stayed in my head: ‘Just hold on—it’s coming.’ That small bet and their belief turned into real momentum—within a few months I was closing in on six figures. I didn’t move; I leveled up.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version is me—just streamlined. On set I’m calm, prepared, and solution-first; that’s not a persona, that’s how I earn trust. The difference is what I keep private: my faith, my marriage to Sienna, and the grief and grit that push me since my mom passed. I don’t post every win or struggle, and I won’t turn people’s pain into content. Off camera I’m goofier, I give thanks a lot, and I guard my family’s peace. But the work ethic, empathy, and Baltimore grit you see in my work—that’s the real me.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing?
I’d regret not going all-in on the work I believe in—finishing The American Border Story, and eventually telling my own Baltimore-to-L.A. doc. I’d regret not protecting date nights with my wife, Sienna, because the wins don’t mean much if home isn’t solid. I’d regret not mentoring younger shooters and not standing on my values when budgets get tight. Most of all, I’d regret not honoring my mom’s line—‘Just hold on, it’s coming’—by tapping out early. If I’m here, I’m here to finish.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Michaeldstories87
