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

Michael, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. 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?

I started working in the entertainment business in 2007. I was able to quit my day job and starting working full time in 2013. In those first years I worked countless free gigs trying to build experience working as a Entertainment Professional.

My years were most certainly challenging, I was always on Craigslist and Facebook trying to find any gig looking for a Camera Assistant. I took quite some time to build a network of Producers, Directors, and Cinematographers who were consistently hiring me and renting my equipment.

Ive moved up job classifications several times in my career and it can be a seamless transition for some or it can be like hitting the reset button on your career. Though it can be a challenge to change jobs, the growth and journey are always worth it in my experience.

One thing I wish I had done earlier was build a freelance side hustle outside of the entertainment industry, its truly invaluable to build as many income streams as possible so that you can be selective about entertainment work as your craft your career. One of the best pieces of advise I can give anyone just starting out is any day you’re not working in your respective craft you should be focused on building other freelance and passive incomes.

Keep your overhead as low as possible, consistently invest in your kit, and build side businesses to weather any storms or strikes.

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’m a serial entrepreneur with a deep love for the film business. I’ve started, run, failed, or sold more businesses than most people would ever consider starting. From a Hot Dog Cart, Flipping Houses, Multiple e-Commerce sites, and this year I’m launching a marketing company to help more clients create high-quality content that engages their target audience and tell their story.

Ive been running my primary business Camera Department since 2014, we’re a hybrid company focused on Stabilized Camera Systems & Full Service Production. We service a wide range of clients in the advertising, marketing, and motion picture/television industries.

Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?

As I had briefly mentioned I think its paramount to build as many income streams as possible when you’re an entrepreneur or creative freelancer. I’m currently operating in four different business models, Film & Marketing, Real Estate Investing, E-commerce, and Logistics.

Each of these markets represent different assets that support the other businesses but my Film & Marketing companies are the largest driving force of my overall business landscape.

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

My ultimate goal is to be a 2nd Unit Director for Studio Action films, I’ve had the blessing of having world class mentors such as Academy Award Winner Ron Goodman of Spacecam Systems. My time at Spacecam taught me countless lessons about Aerial Cinematography, Stabilized Camera Systems, and 2nd Units responsibilities.

Over the last year I’ve been Directing and Producing Commercials & Short Films to hone my creative skills to match my well developed technical skills. My primary work within the film business as a Stabilized Camera Operator has afforded me many opportunities to watch great filmmakers work, collaborate camera movements with them, and grow my creative tool box as my career advances.

Contact Info:

• Website: michaelcardenasfilms.com
• Instagram: @michaelcardenasfilms
• Youtube: @michaelcardenasfilms