We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Max Margolin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Max below.

Max, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Earning a full-time living from freelance creative work is very difficult and a constant battle. The key word there is freelance though. One may be able to find a “full-time” job that’s creative and fits within their field but could be at a single company that often does the same type of shoot over and over again. There’s nothing wrong with that and I know many people who are happy and have found success in this route but I have tried my best to avoid it if possible. I much prefer the freelance route where the possibilities are endless and I can work on many different types of projects. Within a few weeks, I can bounce between shooting a horror film, a comedy, a talk show, a doc, a car build show, etc. I love the variety but with that comes the constant networking and working hard to find the next job which could only be one day of work. Some jobs are more creatively fulfilling than others and some are more “for the paycheck” but I remind myself if I’m making money with a camera, I should be grateful. There is a constant balance of being financially and creatively fulfilled but I’m thankful for where I’m at and if I’m sometimes in a position to choose between two gigs so I can try to be in control of my own path as best as possible.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started at a relatively young age. In Jr. high, I saw someone talk about a simple short film they made but I was immediately captivated. I’ve always loved movies but it was the behind the scenes discussion that got me interested. Just a simple chat about two angles cut together at just the right moment got me excited. I got together with two friends and convinced my parents to buy me a high 8 camera and I haven’t looked back since. After multiple great video programs at Santa Barbara high school and shooting a lot during a 4 year term at CSUN, I worked on everything I could in the camera and lighting department. Having some grip and gaffer experience, I moved onto AC-ing and then operating as well as DP-ing on smaller independent things. Now I am a union camera operator in local 600 but also do a lot of non-union work as well. Mainly operating on TV, Docs, Commercials, narrative and behind the scenes. I also DP on independent shorts and features (many drama and horror) as well as other types of shoots.

I try to bring my variety of experiences to each shoot and can often relate the current job to something I’ve done in the past and have learned from. I try to offer quick solutions to every problem and am now getting better at fore-seeing issues before they happen. Knowing what can go wrong before they do, is a current goal of mine so it can either be avoided or quickly have a plan of action for a solution. One of the best compliments I’ve gotten is if the client says I made the shoot more efficient and more fun/chill than past ones.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

There’s so much work that goes into each project. From pre-production planning to execution to post, there are many hands involved that need to come together perfectly, much like a band or orchestra. I find it very rewarding when a particularly hard shot or whole project is pulled off smoothly and becomes a success after so much work and coordination from so many people. The collaboration process has always been a favorite part of mine and it’s very clear that everyone has a specific job or contribution that’s needed for success and when it all comes together, it’s a great feeling. I’ve related it to all that goes into a good football play to get a touchdown. Everyone does their part.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

In the beginning when starting out right out of college, the goal was just to work on any set or project whatever it was to get my foot in the door and meet people. Whatever the pay or gig. Now, about 11 years out of college, my goals have changed. The need to make money and go where the paying jobs are will always be there. But I can try to guide these gigs and seek out the work I actually want and prefer a little more now with my experience. There is a give and take there and a challenge but I’d say my current goal is to get more of the jobs that are fulfilling and not just the ones that make better money.

Contact Info:

• Website: maxmargolin.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/setstuffs