Mike Mickens is a highly accomplished and respected cinematographer, boasting an extensive and impressive portfolio that encompasses a vast array of feature films and television shows. With a remarkable career spanning over three decades, Mike has amassed an astonishing total of over thirty feature film and television credits to his name.
In recent years, Mike has been involved in some of the most exciting and popular projects in the industry. He has worked on the hit Nickelodeon show "100 Things to Do Before High School", bringing his unique visual style and expertise to the series. Additionally, Mike has also lent his skills to the Netflix original movie "Richie Rich", further solidifying his reputation as a master of his craft.
Throughout his illustrious career, Mike has consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt to a wide range of genres, styles, and formats, making him a sought-after talent in the industry. His dedication to his craft, combined with his impressive portfolio, has earned him a reputation as one of the most talented and respected cinematographers working today.
Mickens' academic journey commenced at the esteemed Newhouse School at Syracuse University, where he successfully completed a Bachelor of Science degree in television and film production, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors.
Upon graduating from college, Mickens relocated to New York City, where he initiated his professional career as a production manager for MTV, acquiring invaluable expertise in commercial production through his collaborations with skilled director/cinematographers, including the influential Phil Marco.
Marco's guidance and mentorship had a profound impact on Mickens, instilling in him a deep appreciation for lighting and cinematography, ultimately inspiring him to pursue a career in these fields.
Mickens' career path unfolded in a way that led him to the City of Angels, Los Angeles, where he diversified his professional expertise by working as an electrician, gaffer, and videographer within the film and television industry.
As a key member of the production team, he had the opportunity to contribute to the making of Kevin Costner's documentary "500 Nations" for CBS, and his still photography from the project was subsequently showcased in the accompanying book, a testament to his artistic versatility.
Mickens' extensive experience as a lighting designer has been marked by a plethora of notable collaborations, one of which being his work with the illustrious Oscar-winning director Saul Bass on the opening credits for the critically acclaimed film "A River Runs Through It". This endeavour showcased Mickens' exceptional skills in bringing his creative vision to life, as he worked closely with Bass to craft a visually stunning sequence that has since become iconic in the world of film. Additionally, Mickens has also had the opportunity to collaborate with the renowned director David Lynch on a series of commercials for Sony Playstation, further solidifying his reputation as a master of his craft. Through these experiences, Mickens has earned widespread recognition and respect within the industry, a testament to his unwavering dedication to his work and his ability to consistently produce high-quality results.
Roger Corman, a renowned and iconic figure in the realm of filmmaking, extended a groundbreaking opportunity to Mickens, thereby allowing him to embark on a journey as a cinematographer, which ultimately led to a prolific career shooting a diverse array of 35mm features for Corman's esteemed Concorde/New Horizons company.
As Mickens' body of work continued to flourish, his reputation as a masterful cinematographer who consistently delivered exceptional results, even in the face of time and budget constraints, began to spread far and wide, earning him widespread recognition and respect within the industry.
Mickens' extensive career has spanned a wide range of projects, encompassing features, documentaries, public service announcements, and television productions for a diverse array of studios and networks.
Among his notable credits, Mickens has collaborated with esteemed entities such as Gold Circle Films, Columbia Pictures, Destination Films, and HBO, bringing his expertise to the development and production of various projects.
In addition to his work in film, Mickens has also made significant contributions to the realm of television, having partnered with prominent networks like Showtime, Decade Pictures, Trimark Pictures, Nickelodeon Network, Orion Pictures, ABC, CBS, and NBC Television.
Through his work, Mickens has demonstrated a versatility and adaptability that has allowed him to thrive in a variety of creative contexts, solidifying his reputation as a talented and dedicated professional in the entertainment industry.
Mickens embarked on a creative endeavor in the year 2008, taking the reins to shoot an independent feature film titled "Greetings from the Shore".
Mickens' impressive filmography extends far beyond his work on the popular Nickelodeon shows, which include "Supah Ninjas", "Fred: the Show", and "Big Time Rush". He has also lent his expertise as a cinematographer to other notable projects, such as serving as second unit director of photography on the NBC series "The New Normal".
In addition to his television work, Mickens has also ventured into the world of feature films, completing the short film "Mr. Maple Leaf" which boasts an impressive cast, featuring the talented Terri Polo. Furthermore, he has collaborated with Common Cause on a series of public service announcements (PSAs) titled "The Most Influential Man in America", showcasing his ability to work on a wide range of projects.
Person Biography:
Mickens is a skilled cinematographer with a diverse range of experience in the film and television industry. He has worked on numerous projects, showcasing his versatility and adaptability behind the camera.
