In the dynamic realm of filmmaking and photography, few visionaries manage to
transcend conventional boundaries and pave the way for new artistic frontiers. One
such luminary is Miguel Martin, a maestro of visual storytelling whose journey spans
major brands, and national television. Martin’s narrative prowess and unbridled passion
for cinematography have not only set him apart in the industry but have also catalyzed a
creative revolution. Co-founding Undefine Media, he stands at the forefront of a new
era.
A Journey Defined by Resilience
Miguel Martin’s foray into cinematography wasn’t just a career shift; it was a profound response to a personal crucible. Diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2016, Martin confronted life’s fragility and decided to realign his professional pursuits with his true passion. This watershed moment led him to bid farewell to a successful six-year tenure in the finance sector at Westpac, choosing instead to embark on a journey fueled by artistic expression and passion.
The Freelance Era
Between 2016 and 2018, Miguel Martin charted his course as a self-employed freelance photographer and videographer. This period of independence served as a crucible for his burgeoning talent, allowing him to hone his craft and solidify his unique approach to storytelling through visuals. It was during these formative years that Martin’s signature style began to emerge – a seamless fusion of technical finesse and emotional depth.
Undefine Media: Where Creativity Meets
In 2018, the cinematic landscape witnessed the birth of Undefine Media, a collaborative venture co-founded by Miguel Martin and his business partner, Jim Wild. This creative powerhouse stands as a testament to Martin’s commitment to pushing boundaries.
The “Who Are We Hurting” Collective
Miguel joined the collective back in 2018, after working alongside founders Will Stolk and Alec Zammitt at the Red Bull Flugtag Australia. A group of activists who are fighting to reform cannabis laws in Australia, particularly in regards to medicinal and recreational cannabis. As their slogan says, “Who Are We Hurting”.
Martin has contributed to the cause with his cinematography approach in videos put out by the collective. Gaining over 300k+ views on YouTube and other social media platforms.
His passion for cannabis started as an adolescent, but the fire for fighting towards cannabis laws grew after his journey through cancer. Using cannabis during his journey, specially on days when he would get chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and other treatments. He saw the benefits and wished it would be more accessible for people who are going through similar journeys.
Accolades and Notable Works
The accolades bestowed upon Miguel Martin, as documented in the “Creative Chronicles” article, underscore his profound impact on the industry. From his role as a videographer for ‘Craze Collective’ to contributing to ‘Who Are We Hurting?’, Martin’s work reflects an ability to capture the essence of diverse projects with authenticity and flair.
A glance at the Miguel Martin Playlist on YouTube unveils a trove of visually stunning films that span genres – from music videos to documentaries, short films, commercials, and corporate videos. His diverse portfolio stands as a testament to his dedication to pushing creative boundaries and exploring the vast spectrum of visual storytelling.
Showcasing Mastery: Miguel Martin’s Portfolio
Baba, a documentary/short film where Martin served as the cinematographer, is a testament to his ability to capture raw human experiences. The project’s official selections and accolades highlight the emotional depth that Martin brings to his visual narratives.
Baba has screened all around Australia and was entered into a number of Film Festivals. It received a lot of selections and won Best Cultural Diversity Film at the Setting Sun Film Festival. It has also screened in America & Lebanon.
BABA from Firass Dirani on Vimeo.
Antoinetta, a documentary/short film for which Martin assumed the role of editor, exemplifies his prowess in post-production, shaping narratives with precision and artistry.
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Travel Japan TVC, where Martin showcased his editing skills, underscores his versatility in collaborating with global brands to craft captivating visual stories.
“Ahora Que Si,” a music video directed, shot, and edited by Miguel Martin, has garnered over 230k views, a testament to his capacity to create content that resonates widely.
The Australian Cannabis Cup 2023 documentary, where Martin served as cinematographer and editor, has gained significant traction, accumulating 215k views on YouTube.
“Big Orsee,” a music video directed, shot, edited, and color-graded by Martin, showcases his comprehensive skill set in creating visually striking and cohesive pieces.
Miguel Martin’s trajectory from a finance professional to a cinematic trailblazer speaks volumes about his resilience, artistic talent, and unwavering dedication. Through Undefine Media, he not only reshapes the narrative landscape but also inspires a new generation of storytellers to embrace innovation fearlessly. As Miguel’s vibrant energy and dedication continue to shape the industry, he stands as a beacon of inspiration, a testament to the transformative power of following one’s true passion, and the art of visual storytelling.
Can you share the inspiration behind your journey into filmmaking? What motivated you to pursue this creative path?
I guess it came from when I received my first ever video camera at the age of 5 and ever since then I’ve loved filming videos. What motivated me to pursue this creative path was mainly after I was placed in remission at the end of 2016. When you’re reminded about your own mortality, you remember what’s really important. I realised I had to follow my heart.
How would you describe your filmmaking style and approach? Are there specific themes or genres that particularly resonate with you?
My style and approach always differ from project to project. In saying that though, I do love cinematography, so I always try to incorporate that in what I film. No specific themes or genres resonate with me but I would love to film comedy.
Can you walk us through your creative process, from concept development to the final production stages? How do you bring your ideas to life?
I’ll give an example for a music video production when the artist reaches out. Firstly we’ll meet with the artist to feel out the vibes and make sure we’re compatible to be working together on a project. I kind of get obsessed with the song, I’ll listen to the song a lot until I can see what feeling it makes me feel. Then it’s the fun part, I loosely create a concept based around that feeling. Create a storyboard, shot list then we bring it to life.
What challenges have you encountered in the filmmaking industry, and how have you overcome them? Any lessons or insights you’d like to share with aspiring filmmakers?
Finding work at the start, knowing how much you’re worth and valuing your work. Just to name a few. Finding work was a hard one, what worked for me was going out to filmmaking events, networking, messaging artists and other creatives on social media and offering my services. Slowly built relationships with people who then turned into clients. And now I mainly just work with returning clients or from recommendations.
How do you choose your projects? Are there specific elements in a script or story that immediately catch your attention?
I don’t know any other way to put it, if the vibes are there with the crew and I like the script then it’s good for me.
Collaboration is crucial in filmmaking. How do you work with other members of your team, such as writers, cinematographers, and editors, to bring a cohesive vision to the screen?
Like any other relationship, communication is key. I’m open, genuine and honest when talking to anyone. Being able to explain something really well definitely helps. Making sure we’re all on the same page.
Can you share a memorable or challenging experience from one of your film projects? How did it shape your growth as a filmmaker?
We attempted to film 2 music videos in one night, with about 7 to 8 artists at a pub. So many moving parts, it was challenging but so much fun. That experience made me realise we can take on difficult tasks, with a little bit of planning you can pull it off.
With advancements in technology and changes in audience preferences, how do you stay current and adapt your filmmaking techniques?
I’m always considering what other filmmakers are doing when I watch shows, movies, and documentaries. That’s how I try to stay current and at the same time, it goes into my subconscious so I can implement them into my techniques.
Are there particular filmmakers or films that have significantly influenced your work? How have they inspired your creative process?
I learned everything about filmmaking mainly from Youtubers, Peter McKinnon is one. His cinematography is amazing, seeing how he shoots and how the shots turn out has definitely inspired me.
In an ever-evolving industry, how do you balance staying true to your artistic vision while also meeting the demands and expectations of the audience or producers and or your clients?
This is why I have to make sure the vibes are there before working with anyone. I always stay true to myself with everything I do, so it’s the same with staying true to my artistic vision.
As a filmmaker, how do you navigate the business side of the industry, including funding, distribution, and marketing? Any advice for filmmakers trying to navigate these aspects?
To be honest, I’m not the best at the business side of the industry. I started this journey from passion and I’ve been blessed with all these opportunities that have come about because of it. But my best advice will be, to find others that are good at those roles.
How do you approach storytelling through visuals and sound in your films? What role do these elements play in conveying the narrative and emotional depth of your work?
Those elements play an important role, essentially I’m constantly trying to evoke a feeling through cinematography and sound.
What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers who are just starting their journey in the industry?
My best advice would be to go to as many filmmaking events as possible. Speak to other creatives, and surround yourself with them. And start making passion projects.
Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations as a filmmaker? Are there specific projects or themes you hope to explore in the coming years?
I’ve considered stepping back from cinematography and focus more on directing but will see how that plays out this year. I’m hoping to help bring to life a documentary with the “Who Are We Hurting” collective soon.
Can you tell us about your work with the now world-famous “Who Are We Hurting” Collective helping them with cannabis activism?
I’ve been a cannabis and plant medicine advocate for some time now, and after seeing what the collective was doing, I wanted to be involved. It’s been a wild ride working with the crew, often early days and doing long hours, even traveling around all of Australia trying to spread awareness. And it’s all worth it in the end.
How has cannabis personally helped you?
It had the biggest impact on me while I was going through cancer, especially while going through chemotherapy and with my overall recovery. I continue to take my medicinal cannabis to help me with my anxiety and maintain a higher quality of life.