Today we’d like to introduce you to Jake Mitchell.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My journey starts on a cold kitchen floor in suburban Ohio – the place where my first short film took stage. When I was nine years old, I would spend hours with my LEGO’s and family camera creating stop motion animations, allowing my imagination and moving images to bring my toys to life.
From there, a natural progression began of creating films in different forms, from physical stop motion and stick figure drawings to action short films and comedy skits. Most of all I loved spending time with friends, thinking of the silliest ideas and committing them to camera. Some of these ideas included salami slap-fights and “blowing up” the neighbors car (I swear we did it all in post!)
As one begins to exit childhood, the daunting question comes: what to do for the remainder of life? For me, it was obvious. I wanted to make films for the world to enjoy. My passion for it was unfaltering since I began. The reality was that I had to leave Ohio – there was not much opportunity for me there. After much effort, I found myself attending Emerson College in Boston for Film Production, a decision that would shape my path. While at Emerson, I found that my technical inclinations lead me to Cinematography: the art and technique of crafting moving images with light.
I met some incredible collaborators, people that I work with to this day. I shot a plethora of short films and commercials while at Emerson, including my first nationally broadcast commercial. One of my largest opportunities there was a feature documentary titled “8 Billion Angels”. It was a full-fledged, globe trotting production, and the biggest project I had ever undertaken. It took me on a wild ride to the streets of New Delhi, into illegal fish markets in Tokyo, volcanic cracks on the ocean floor, and even the flat plains of Kansas. After Emerson, I moved to LA to pursue opportunities in the freelance world. Thanks to those I met at Emerson, I have been able to find success as a Cinematographer. It was my childhood dream to one day be making films for a living – I think I can say that I have achieved that.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I will first say that my scenario is privileged – I have not faced some of the hardships that others are born into via socioeconomic factors or otherwise. Here is to those that despite hurdles of prejudice and an imperfect society break molds and chase their dreams.
My parents were incredibly supportive of my passions. They saw that I was doing what I loved and could realistically pursue it professionally. Without their support, I’m not sure where I would be today and if I would have ever made it to where I am.
Like anyone in creative industries, there are incredible psychological hurdles that weigh upon you and your choices. The pressures to succeed, to compare your accolades to those around you, and to create work that is meaningful. Even though I have found “success” I am still a little fish in an enormous pond and have far strides to make before I feel I can call myself a true filmmaker.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am primarily freelance, meaning any day of the week I might get a call to shoot anything under the sun. I work across almost all types: music videos, commercials, narrative, documentary, fashion, etc. Personally, I would like to specialize more in narrative work but often what is most common in LA are music videos and commercials. Additionally, I have coincidentally shot documentaries in 5 continents. So my specialization is a bit all over the place.
As a Cinematographer, I think I am most proud of my personal approach to filmmaking. It’s easy to get caught up in the financial aspects of the industry, whether it be shooting on fancy cameras or only taking jobs based on the pay. What matters to me most is making pieces of work that inspire others, provoke thought, and share meaningful messages about humanity.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
This is a bit of a tough question for creatives. It is very easy to obsess over this idea of what could be and what opportunities have been missed. Quite frankly, this question is dangerous as it can lead to much pessimism or discounting of decisions made and success gained. The path that had lead me to where I am now is what has become and is unchangeable.
But looking back, there are important lessons I’ve learned that shape my mentality now. Never be discouraged or intimidated by those around you or “above” you. There is no right way but the way that works. Especially in creative fields, any one person can do anything they want to achieve creation, whether it be through technical prowess or artistic flourish. No one is going to give you access to creating but yourself, so stop waiting for permission and make the things you wish to create and wish to see.
Finally, it’s much easier to set yourself apart from the pack than you might think. Be on time, communicate clearly and promptly, do what you say you’re going to do, and say please and thank you! Many people have trouble with these generally basic rules.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jakelmitchell.com
- Phone: 513-349-3052
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @jakelmitchell
Image Credit:
Douglas Emerson, Nick Vigue, Shawheen Keyani
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