Exploring the Use of Drones in Film Production: A Chat with Mike Mazur, Proprietor of Diario Films
Mike Mazur: From Post-Production to Aerial Cinematographer
Mike Mazur, an alumnus of Drone Pilot Ground School, began his career in the film industry working in post-production in Manhattan. His experience across shooting, directing, and technology ultimately led to the founding of Diario Films, his own production company.
Over the years, Mazur has collaborated with artists such as Kesha and Steely Dan, while also undertaking aerial missions for various non-profit organizations worldwide. In this interview, we discuss his journey in building Diario Films, as well as his decision to incorporate drones into his cinematography toolkit.
From Post-Production to Production
Mazur's career in photography and cinematography originated in post-production, where he worked as an editor and after-effects artist. He eventually transitioned to managing a green screen studio in lower Manhattan, before moving on to become a producer.
While working at Cross Borders merging into Rain, a creative agency, Mazur handled projects involving the creation of digital content for corporations. Among his notable works were a short documentary series on sports in America, which complemented the 2012 Olympics, and projects for companies like Walmart, Subway, and Hess.
Mazur's interest in handling the camera began during his time at Rain. He initially excelled in time-lapse photography before transitioning to being the primary shooter and director of photography for various projects.
The Journey to Aerial Cinematography
During a trip to Guatemala in 2013, Mazur received a fellowship with a non-profit organization, allowing him to spend an entire year working in Central America and Southeast Asia. Equipped with a camera and a laptop, Mazur found, shot, directed, and edited stories on his own. Upon his return, he drew from this rich experience to further his skills in cinematography.
Mazur's first substantial drone venture came during a project in Guatemala for the Friendship Bridge, a non-profit that provides loans to women in rural areas. The incredible quality of the drone footage improved the final product, capturing Yolanda's expanded home and her lasting impact on her community.
Incorporating Drones Into Commercial Work
When DJI released the Osmo handle and X5 camera without compatibility, Mazur found himself owning an expensive yet useless piece of equipment. Seizing the opportunity to expand his repertoire, he impulsively purchased a DJI Inspire 1 and started flying.
Mazur's drone work has since been featured in various projects, providing unique aerial perspectives for both commercial and non-profit productions.
Encountering Challenges
Crashing a drone is an inevitable part of the learning process for any pilot. Mazur's first crash occurred while filming a documentary in Puerto Rico, where he got the drone stuck in a tree after pulling back without checking his surroundings. Determined to improve his skills and knowledge, Mazur enrolled in Drone Pilot Ground School to better understand safe flying practices.
Working and Growing
Building a network of contacts through word of mouth has been integral to Mazur's career growth. His ability to deliver high-quality work consistently has helped attract new opportunities and clients.
Mazur's continued success stems from his commitment to improving his skill set and adapting to new technologies, making him a versatile and reliable cinematographer in the industry.
[1] Personal background details omitted for brevity and relevance.
- Mike Mazur, an alumnus of Drone Pilot Ground School, shifted from post-production work to becoming an aerial cinematographer.
- As the primary shooter and director of photography for various projects, Mazur's skill set expanded to include aerial videography and photography.
- Mazur's drone work, showcasing unique perspectives, has been integral to both commercial and non-profit production projects.
- The quality of drone footage greatly enhanced the final product of a project for the Friendship Bridge, a non-profit organization.
- Incorporating drones into his cinematography toolkit has been a significant factor in Mike Mazur's career growth.
- Encounters such as a crash in Puerto Rico led Mazur to seek knowledge in safe flying practices through Drone Pilot Ground School.
- To further his skills and adapt to new technologies, Mazur remains dedicated to improving his versatility as a cinematographer in the industry.
- Building a network of contacts through consistent high-quality work has helped Mazur attract new opportunities and clients in his business endeavors and lifestyle as an entrepreneur in the field of photography, videography, and gadgets.
