We were lucky to catch up with Michael Greenwood recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with a fun one – what’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

Hard work pays off… No it doesn’t. Work on the right thing, and yes, certainly you’ll get where you want to go.

I see too many people, especially in the film industry, burning the candle at both ends – arbitrarily working hours and hours all to collect the accolade of being “busy.”

Working hard, killing yourself in the process is an outdated aphorism that needs to put to bed.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I grew up in Burbank where film flows like water. I was making adventure films (and not finishing them (ADD much)) with my neighborhood buddies when I was 7 years old. It just always made sense that I would get into filmmaking.

It’s all good fortune that I was born in the right place at the right time, if I look back I’m not sure how I’d do it again.
There was an invisible force that stubbornly guided me to being a cinematographer. Fortunate for me, I’d do it even if I weren’t making money – just like those days as 10 year old with an old tape camera and nothing but time and aspirations.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

First and foremost – ask questions! I love a post-job debrief. “How’d I perform?” “Where did I screw up / how could I do better?”

Loyalty thrives when honesty and humility are at the forefront.

Secondly, I keep a running list of all of my previous clients (in my case usually directors & producers).
It serves as a little black book of names and numbers to reach out to on a monthly basis – “Hey hope you’re well, happy to help if ya need me!”

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I’m a self-help book junkie. “The 7 habits of Highly Effective People” was the biggest needle mover for my growth as a business-owner.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.michaeldeangreenwood.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinemagravy/