Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brian Michaux. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Brian, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think it takes to be successful?

Because there are many different ways one can succeed, and almost uncountable definitions of success, it can be a difficult thing to measure. There are also myriad ways to achieve it. Perhaps it goes without saying, but I think the most important factor in being successful is having a goal to strive for. Success can only be measured relative to the goal that is being pursued.

When I was young, I had the benefit of being cast as a regular extra on a TV series. Being on set as a child, I was completely taken with the lights and all of the equipment, all of the people running around making things happen, the camera on a dolly track, and how an entire small village could be constructed in weeks and used for one specific purpose. I loved every minute of it. Even though that feeling never left me, I grew up and started looking for normal, gainful employment. Making movies was a pipe dream that only a select few could follow.

For decades, I found myself working a job that I hated, with no chance of advancement, constantly lamenting my situation while not having any idea how to change it. The change came when I was asked to participate in a small local film festival. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had so much fun. It was shortly thereafter that I finally decided that money was not the most important measure of success. Happiness is the most important measure of success.

Little by little, I started doing more film festivals and then managed to weasel my way into getting paid to work in the area I had always loved. Beyond Media was a small production company in town that had numerous shows on major cable networks. I applied with them and landed a job sitting behind a computer, data logging. Not exactly making movie magic. But my love of the industry made me work hard, and when the time came, my boss asked me to be a part of their shooting crew because of my enthusiasm and dedication. Years later, I’m a freelance production sound mixer for film and video, and I can’t imagine myself doing anything else.

Success seems to be elusive to the vast majority of people. I don’t believe it has to be. Success starts with a goal. It starts with a dream that can never fully be realized; a dream that can be chased until the day you die. What follows is chasing that dream until the day you die. If you want something, you’ll work for it. Every day you work towards that dream is a day that you will come home fulfilled and satisfied. Setbacks will be nothing but opportunities for learning and growth, and the worst day doing something you love is better than the very best day spinning your wheels at a job you hate. Success is a measure of happiness, and step one… The most important part… Is finding your goal.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My name is Brian Michaux. Because of my love of the industry, in 2015 I began working for a small production company called Beyond Media llc. It was there that I experienced firsthand what it takes to bring a show from the concept phase to delivery for airing on television. At Beyond Media, I got the springboard I needed to become a professional in the industry. The position of production sound mixer provides constant opportunities for critical thinking, as no two days on set are the same. I get to exercise people skills and network with new people all the time. I love doing my job and only want to expand.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A major lesson I had to unlearn, and am still working on to this day, is not knowing my own worth. Its very easy, when stepping into a new industry (or any new situation at all) is being unsure of yourself. When just starting out, I had no idea what the going rate for my profession was; all I knew was that I liked what I was doing and I wanted to work hard doing it. At the beginning, I was already making more than I had at my day job, so who was I to question? Little did I know that I was asking far far less than the going rate. And even when I learned what that rate was, I had a hard time asking for it. Since then I’ve learned that not asking a full rate has only decreased my own worth and put a block in my way. I was surprised at the response when I mustered up the guts and started standing firm on what I’m worth.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I’m still building my reputation within my market, but I feel like what’s helping build that reputation is pretty simple. I love what I do and, thus, work hard at it. Professionalism is very important to me, and that means punctuality and respect. Things like a positive attitude and staying calm under pressure are values that a client likes to see when they hire someone (anyone). Caring about the people in the industry and the craft, itself, will naturally lead to a job well done and hopefully repeat clients.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @mrmookins
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.michaux.31
• Linkedin: Brian Michaux
• Youtube: TheMrMookins
• Other: TikTok: @themrmookins

Image Credits
Brian Michaux