About Mike
Cinematographer. Filmmaker. Storyteller.
Mike Eldredge, an award winning filmmaker, is renowned for his distinctive work in cinematography and editing. Driven by a deep-rooted passion for the Western industry, his creations reflect the grit and spirit of the frontier in a uniquely compelling way. Eldredge's broad and dynamic portfolio spans from impactful commercials and evocative brand films to insightful documentaries. His style is marked by his masterful use of natural light to instill a dramatic, cinematic quality into every frame.
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Beyond his artistic prowess, Eldredge is noted for his efficient work ethic. He has a profound dislike for wasteful production spending and is known to meticulously manage resources to prevent unnecessary expenditure. This knack for efficiency, combined with his creative genius and commitment to authenticity, ensures every piece Eldredge produces is not only visually stunning, but also economically sound.
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Mike specializes in producing cinematic films that capture the true spirit of real people and authentic stories. He has worked with some of the most recognizable brands in the world, including; Nike, Warner Records, Wrangler, GoPro, and more.
With over 15 years of experience in the field, Mike strives to create films that tell a story and connect with the viewer. His goal is to create films that evoke emotion and leave a lasting impression.
"As a filmmaker, I offer a unique and comprehensive suite of services that encompass every facet of film production. I direct, operate cameras, edit footage, color grade, pilot drones, create 3D animations, composite, design sound, hand pick music all single-handedly. Each of these elements is crucial to the creation of a high-quality film and typically requires a dedicated professional to handle them individually.
Let's break this down:
1. Direction: This role is about vision and oversight, ensuring the film's concept is successfully communicated and the story is effectively told.
2. Cinematography: Operating the camera is a complex and skilled job. It involves understanding framing, lighting, and movement to capture the most effective and impactful shots.
3. Editing: This is the process where the raw footage is crafted into a cohesive narrative. It involves carefully selecting and arranging shots, refining the film's pace, and shaping the story in post-production.
4. Color Grading: This role involves enhancing or altering the color of a film to achieve a particular aesthetic. It can greatly influence the mood and tone of a scene, and requires both technical and artistic skill.
5. Sound Design: This is an often underappreciated but vital part of filmmaking. It includes recording, editing, and mixing audio to create a soundscape that supports the visuals and drives the narrative.
6. Certified UAV Pilot: This is requires certification by the FAA and to remain current. Expert understanding of laws and regulations in flight areas and piloting skills developed over time.
Each of these tasks demands significant time, expertise, and energy. When you hire me, you are not merely paying for a day of work. You are paying for the years of experience I've spent honing these skills, the hours I spend keeping up with the latest techniques and technology, and the dedication I bring to overseeing and executing every aspect of the production process.
This means streamlined communication. There's no time wasted in lengthy discussions or misunderstandings between departments because I am responsible for every stage of production. This can often lead to faster turn-around times, lower budgets and a more cohesive final product, as the same vision is carried through from start to finish.
You're not just hiring a filmmaker, you're hiring a director, a cameraman, a certified drone pilot, an editor, a colorist, and a sound designer all in one. This provides tremendous value, and is reflective of the quality, convenience, and breadth of the service you'll receive."
Awards
Vimeo
Staff
Pick
Mercury
Award
"Tourism"
AAF
Gold
Award
2019 Mercury Award
Issued by National Council of State Tourism Directors · Jul 2019.
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Vimeo Staff Pick "500 Miles"
Short Form Documentary
Silver Telly Award "Celina"
Short Form Documentary
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Telly Award "Niche + The Mothership"
Brand Story
Telly Award "Owl Meadow"
Non-Profit Environmentalism
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Telly Award "TSA Desert Racing"
Short Form Documentary
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Telly Award "Twist"
Brand Story
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AAF GOLD Award
Web Commercials
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AIGA 100 SHOW Award
Web Commercials
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Sundance Film Festival Student Award
Best Cinematography
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AAF Rockie Award
Web Commercials
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