I get new ideas by reading and paying considerable attention to issues around the community.
Mikael Marczak is an acclaimed writer, director and a cinematographer based in Los Angeles, California. Mikael has directed a string of films and documentaries and countless fans across the world continues to praise his work. Although Marczak is a young director, his films and documentaries continue to draw praises from some of the most remarkable reviewers in the industry. He was named as the most inspirational director for September 2016 by the BBFTCA.
Marczak was born in Poland. He pursued film studies at the California Institute of Arts. He is also a graduate from the Academy of Fine Arts based in Poznan, Poland. Mikael is synonymous with cutting-edge and innovative film creation across a myriad of topics and genres. He has truly perfected his film-making art, particularly in documentaries. “La Machina” and “Men at War” are examples of films that were propelled to heights through his skills.
The latest work by Marczak is a documentary named “All These Sleepless Nights.” He wrote the script for this documentary and was also its cinematographer. He used this film to explain fiction versus facts. According to Mikael, the documentary is a series of moments which are usually random but helps to shape one into their characters.
Marczak is also a co-creator on commercial developments. His latest promotion for Sprite known as “True Teens” which he scripted and directed won the 2015 MIXXA Award as the best online video and “Kreatura” Grand Prix for outstanding advertising movement in Poland. Additionally, Marczak has been nominated twice for Golden Frog Award of the finest cinematography at Camerimage Film Festival.
Where did the idea for Cinematography come from?
I was interested in filmmaking since I was a small boy. Also, my keen grasp and sense on social issues helped to improve my skills while pursuing my education at the esteemed California Institute of Arts in Los Angeles. I can create a masterpiece which all documentary lovers can relate to from friendship, family and politics issues. When I became a graduate, I entered the film industry by storm with some compelling and captivating documentaries.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
Each day comes with different challenges and therefore there is no a typical day in my life and career. I wake up at 4:30 am to start preparing for the day. I start by reading and responding to my emails before driving to the office. In the office, I perform duties based on my priority list. I focus my attention on the top 5 activities that require being finished on a specific day. Also, I have a scheduled a meeting each day with my team at 10 am to evaluate on urgent issues, progress, and staff issues. In summary, prioritization makes me productive and successful.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I get new ideas by reading and paying considerable attention to issues around the community. Every day, the media report family, political, social and economic problems. I take keen interest and focus my attention on these issues, and this helps me to create films.
What’s one trend that excites you?
It is surely exciting to see the life of people change after implementing the lessons from my documentaries. Many of my fans across the world have enjoyed better marriages and value of their lives after watching my films that are address such life issues.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Focus on people’s lives. I love to address challenges in our societies by featuring them in movies.
What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
When I was in college I worked as a waiter in a local hotel. It was not fun at all, and I was eventually fired. I learned that passion could make one more productive and bring better fortune to their lives.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
From my experience, I would still do every bit of my career the same again. I started my career when I was young and I was sure of success through hard work.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Teamwork. In my opinion and experience, teamwork helps an entrepreneur to consult and ask for help during difficulties. Information and ideas are a part of the entrepreneurship process. Advisors and mentors are also part of any entrepreneur’s success.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.
Asking for feedback from my fans. I always get in touch with my critics and fans through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other online platforms. It is their feedbacks that help me to improve my business and career.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I hired someone to market my films, and he used an approach that was very expensive and with no outcomes. I overcame this marketing challenge by implementing its lessons. My next marketing campaign was based on these lessons and worked perfectly.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
An online platform or app that helps entrepreneurs to meet for live chats instantly. Sharing ideas is one of the characteristics of great entrepreneurs. Therefore, this is an excellent opportunity to a potential entrepreneur.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I recently bought an online game. I like gaming, and I do this for leisure.
What software and web services do you use? What do you love about them?
I am a passionate Calm (web and app) user. This application makes it possible to cool off my busy schedule and go straight to a period of headspace and reflection. I have slotted it between lunch, business meetings, and calls.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
“Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill. It is a motivational book that encourages potential entrepreneurs to explore available opportunities within the society. The book is also applicable to the general welfare of life.
What people have influenced your thinking and might be of interest to others?
I get work ethics and best advice from my dad. My father is the most hardworking man I have seen in my life. He used to work for a whole year tirelessly to provide his family. His tenacious ethics at work and dedication had a profound impact on my career. My father’s advice has helped shape my character to unmeasurable extents.
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Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.