We recently connected with Micah Slay and have shared our conversation below.
Micah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I started out in the Art Department building sets and props but soon realized I was more attracted to the camera department and made the move. While in the Art Department I would ask about lighting and camera whenever on set. I studied lighting and read a lot about camera technology and lighting.
As a DP one of the most essential skills is understanding lighting and how it effects mood and tone of a shoot. Bad lighting can take a viewer out of a scene and the feeling that scene was attempting to create.
The biggest obstacle I come across it time and money. Most productions are not prepped correctly and conversation that need to be had in prep are instead happening on set with a whole crew waiting.
Prep is where movies are made.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I have always been into photography and art since very young. It was just what I did and I watch a lot of movies. In College I studied Philosophy with the intent of becoming a lawyer but I lack passion for that and move to LA after school. One of my neighbors was a production designer and I began working with them on building sets and props for commercials and music videos. I loved being on set but felt the camera department pulling me in that direction. I would always ask questions about lighting and cameras whenever on set. I had the opportunity to shoot a doc and that was it, all I wanted to do was shoot. I was on a show that allowed me to shoot things while still working in the art department and when the show became union I join local 600 and went full-time camera.
I love what I do and am happiest on set working with good people. I bring a different eye to shooting as my background in the Art Department and training in philosophy allows me to see issues in a different light. Sometimes it’s moving the camera to make a shot better but sometimes its knowing that tables and set dressing should move. Its a dance that I really enjoy
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My mission is to do good work. I have accrued lots of skills over the years but also lots of really good gear. I can bring those skills but also a lot of gear to bear on any particular project. I have invested in things that make the job easier and can bring production value when the budget is tight.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
The biggest resources in making movies are people. Having I big pool of people that love what we do will change everything. Networking is the most important skill in our industry. I wish I had spent more time early one building that network.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.micahslay.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micahslay/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micahslay/
Image Credits
Micah Slay
Danny Neal