From Arizona’s Top in Video Production List

In the transient world of cinematic entertainment, you’ve got the good, you’ve got the great, and you’ve got the exceptional. Homing in on the pool of exceptional Arizona video production staples, there is no denying they’ve mastered the art of mise-en-scéne, cinematography, editing and sound – all of which are the core ingredients to accentuate the screen viewing experience. This is exactly what Mic Waugh has been doing since picking up his first Hi-8 video camera, and why he has landed a Herakles feature as one of Arizona’s Top Directors of Photography. 

An Inside Look Into One Of Arizona’s Top Directors of Photography – Mic Waugh

 The Cinematographer. The Filmmaker. The Storyteller. Fueled by passion and driven by creative excellence, Mic Waugh is one of Arizona’s Top Directors of Photography – and for several measurable reasons than just one. To date, Mic is an internationally acclaimed professional best known for his award-winning Steadicam work for Ok Go’s music video entitled ‘This Too Shall Pass.’ Other credits include working heavily alongside James Cameron on the Avatar sequels, with JJ Abrams on an HBO series, and for his DV and Steadicam Op work for various production companies. That networking inventory consists of none other than Animal Planet, Once Upon A Dream productions, Two Team Entertainment, and Twentieth Century Fox Films. 

The Beginnings 

Though on the list as Arizona’s Top Directors of Photography today, Mic’s career started as a kid with a camera. Upon receiving a Hi-8 video camera from his father at a young age, Mic went full force into the intricacies of video production, lighting/color theory, and bridging the balance between creative cinematics with raw emotions. Understanding the ins and outs of rendering storytelling images that convey a deeper meaning than the script itself, it became the catalyst for Mic to land his first “real” gig as leading the design, development, and execution of his high school’s morning news broadcast. 

With this as his base, Mic later earned a Bachelor’s in Communications from the University of Wisconsin (Class of 00′). During this time, Mic still dabbled in film, but primarily focused on his passion for music and music theory. From the piano, the guitar, djembe, conga drums, harmonicas to playing the didgeridoo, Mic established himself as a rounded musician who loved diving deep into the rhythm and flow of storytelling. Upon graduating and moving to Phoenix Arizona, Mic’s love for music and cinematics came full circle after deciding to join the freelancing world of film, photography and video. 

Early Career To Now

All Arizona Top Directors of Photography begin somewhere. For Mic, his career began supporting a broad range of industries, such as music, sports events to even going back to his high school roots of new reporting. With this as his base and having the unprecedented opportunity to be a mentee of Yon Thomas, A.J. Raitano, Robert Benevides and Tim Burton, Mic quickly gained traction in the competitive 

photography area. 

To date, Mic’s work has taken him on global journeys to Iceland, Guatemala, Spain, Kuwait, and Dubai and earned him several accolades as a dual Dop and Arizona Director. This includes (but is not limited to) winning the American Advertising Gold Medal for Cinematography for the spot he lensed and directed for ‘Driftless Glen – Glacier’, winning an Emmy for the ‘First Things First – Growth’ commercial, earning the Cameraman of the Year award by BAFTA, and the Cameraman Award for Excellence by Guild Of TV. 

Where Is Arizona’s Top Director of Photography Today?

Rocking the SONY VENICE 2 and FX3 cameras, Mic’s traction as an Arizona Director of Photography has not slowed down. Some of his more recent work includes Shade on HBO, Arizona Lottery, Desert Schools, The Man From Another Dimension on Sci-Fi, and the AMC/Lifetime feature, Woman On The Edge. Mic is also an avid member of the IATSE Local 600 Camera Operator’s Union and is a part of the Society of Camera Operators, all with a goal to continue his storytelling path, raise the bar as technology shifts, and inspire others stepping into this space to leave their own authentic marks. 

More About The Man Behind The Camera 

1. This industry is certainly a laborious one. So what keeps you motivated?

I’m motivated by storytelling. The labor is always there…but the “story” can be more or less with projects. It makes the labor so much more tolerable if we get to engage in great storytelling and collaboration. Anytime I can get lost in the story as we are telling it, that’s amazing.

2. What is your most favorite project you’ve worked on thus far? 

My most favorite project thus far…that’s a difficult one to answer. Being the Director of Photography, there’s always a favorite shot or sequence in any project. Overall, my favorite might have been working on the HBO Pilot “Duster” down in Tucson end of 2021. It was so great to work on a period piece down in that beautiful town. The crew was professional and top-notch. It was hot and difficult, but it was great to feel the support of the production team and the town.

3. Are there any upcoming projects you’d be willing to share with us?

Again returning to Tucson, I’ll be lensing a wonderful film called “Choir Practice” sometime after the new year. A great piece of storytelling and allowing for some great frames and camera work. A mix of a family reuniting and bad cartel folks looking for trouble.

4. What is one of the craziest experiences you’ve had while working on set?

Well, anything with James Cameron on the set of the new Avatar sequels. Just the stories alone that Jim tells regarding his previous films and the shots of tequila on Fridays at wrap made for some crazy wonderful experiences.

5. What do you consider your greatest achievement as an Arizona Director?

The greatest achievement for me is the teaching and encouragement I get to apply to folks I work with. I had no one helping me or telling me anything when I was coming up. I love sharing the mistakes I’ve made. Even if it’s just for a good laugh. Whenever you teach, you learn. That’s so incredibly true in our industry. I always appreciate that I have a lot to learn both from the veteran students of film and the rookies.

6. If you were to give one piece of advice to someone following your steps, what would it be?

My advice would be to learn to watch other departments work and really see what they’re doing. Not really asking questions as much as just observe and learn to anticipate what comes next. Eventually, you get good enough to give the right information to the right people and get ahead of the game. Think ahead and get your crew all moving in the right direction. Maybe even get some things out of your own head and get your team to help you prepare rather than leaning on you for info. Free up as much head space as you can in order to let the creativity guide you, not the stress.

And of course most importantly…when the opportunity presents itself to sit down on set, always take it.

Keep visiting Herakles for others in Arizona’s Top List.