Meet Michael Thomas Hunt | Camera Operator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Thomas Hunt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael Thomas, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
This is a great question because it’s so difficult to answer. We absolutely have to define our own success because everyone’s end goal is different. I think happiness is important even if it’s not possible to achieve it 100% of the time. That’s the easy answer . If you’re happy most of the time I think you’ve reached a level of success. For others this might not be the measure. There are too many outside factors for all of us to have one definitive answer. Personally I feel successful when my mind is clear of doubt. When we feel confident and happy. When my colleagues and I can laugh at work I feel successful.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My professionalism starts from my mother. She was in the US Navy, which I joined shortly after she retired. We learn to pay attention to detail and carry out tasks efficiently there which is helpful in my technical field. When I left the armed forces I jumped right into school and video production along with old friends that were already making content. This was a welcoming situation so I fell right into it naturally. I’m comfortable here even though commercial/video production can be a high stress environment and having a career that’s a different experience/location almost every time is a great fit for me. After working independently filming weddings and music videos I jumped into commercial and reality television productions. Starting off as a PA (production assistant) you have to learn a lot quickly especially here in Arizona! We’d have our hands in every department helping and learning along the way. The PA’s here are amazing and this helped develop my mindset for the future of my career. Our mentors at that stage helped guide us along our paths to where we’d like to go, looking at you Mrs. J Cook. From there it’s about making connections and working with the department and people you’re interested in. I chose the camera department because it’s highly technical yet artistic. We benefit from having to build intricate systems while also being able to flex a little artistic muscle. If you ask anyone I work with about me they’ll tell you that I’m accessible wether we’re at work or I’m at home. Talk to me! I want to get work done efficiently but I also want people to be comfortable and to have a good time when they’re working with me. There’s no better feeling than leaving a production with smiles on our faces!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you come to visit me you’re going on a hike! I love early morning hikes at South Mountain and occasionally Camelback. There’s such a great view of the valley from those locations, they’re great for a photo op! Id have to take them to one of my recent favorite restaurants Glai Bann. It’s a such a great dining experience and if you’ve been there I don’t have to tell you the food and drinks are amazing. I was a great gamer once long ago so for nostalgia purposes we have to take a trip to Cobra Arcade and Stardust Pinbar downtown . Shout out to all my friends holding it down over there! Lucky’s has become my favorite places to socialize downtown, *wink wink* buddies. For music we’d have hit up Crescent Ballroom, The Van Buren, or Rebel lounge regardless of who’s playing! If you come to Phoenix it’s not hard to have great time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to recognize my mentors and peers in the Arizona commercial and Film community. Wish I could name everyone because I’ve learned so much from so many, but there’s no way, my head would spin naming them all. One person that’s given me a great deal of chances and advice is Mr. Said Ramirez, AC (Assistant Camera) extraordinaire. Big shout out to you compa! Many of the people that I work with are members of the APA (Arizona Production Association) which I’ve recently joined, so I want to shout them out as well! Love you all!!!

Instagram: Instagram.com/mikeartificialiris