Life & Work with Michael Rodriguez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Rodriguez.

Hi Michael, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The story began for me about 15 years ago. My grandma bought me a digital camera back in the early days of social media. Who knew taking profile pictures for my friend’s Xanga accounts would later lead to shooting music videos with some of the hottest up and coming local artists in Kansas City, MO?

I grew up on the south side of the Inner city. I attended schools like: Center, Lincoln, Southeast, and Westport. Here I would meet two guys that would go on to become like brothers to me. We had a rap group back in middle school and would make songs on an old PC. I’ve always been a behind the scenes type of guy so when I realized I wasn’t the next Lil Wayne, I decided the best way I could help my team is by investing into a camera so we can save money on music videos. Typically, we’d be waiting about two weeks for turnaround. This is what really motivated me to learn how to shoot. I found a local videographer who’s been on the scene in Kansas City for quite some time. I studied his art and contacted him offering to pay for a mentorship. This would bode well for me as coincidentally, he was needing an extra set of hands. I was able to learn hands on, how to shoot and edit music videos. I shot my first video within weeks and It’s been snowballing ever since. I also enjoy photography, mainly landscape at the moment while I hone my Photoshop skills. You’ll find a ton of graffiti art on my page from both Kansas City and The Bay Area. Kansas City is teeming with talent and the best part about what I do is being a part of the city’s culture and bringing visions to life!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The hardest thing about videography in my eyes is time. It’s VERY time-consuming If you are not experienced. Juggling work and videos is pretty tough. Working around artist’s schedules can be challenging. When I first began 30 seconds of editing could take up the majority of my day. Some days it feels like you get off work and clock right back in which can feel overwhelming.

You’re going to have a huge learning curve if you are starting off for the first time. I had a master’s at Youtube Academy well before my first project. The first thing is learning how to use a modern mirror less or DSLR camera. Then you master camera movements and angles. Next is lighting. Lastly you will need to polish your skills using editing software to make smooth transitions and effects. Finally, you have to familiarize yourself with the editing software. This was super intimidating for a beginner. I almost gave up on my first project because I had no idea what I was doing. A few meet-ups with my mentor changed all that. I completed my next music video project the following month.

Camera equipment is crazy expensive. After spending almost a $1,000 on a camera, I had to turn around and buy a computer, lighting set, and a camera rig. Well over $2,000 In just start-up equipment.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve always been told I have a good eye for things. I specialize in turning a vision or an idea into reality. My main goal Is to offer affordable music videos with a fast turnaround so up and coming artists can get maximum exposure. Hip-Hop/ R&B is my niche but I’m expanding as my skill set grows Into other things like commercials, skits, podcasts, weddings, and events.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was born in Wichita, KS and raised in Kansas City, MO. I moved to KC around 2005 – 2006. Growing up I played a lot of sports. Basketball and Football were my main two. As a kid I was pretty well read. I would read for 30 minutes a day. Hated it then but it’s helped my life tremendously. I grew up just like most inner city kids. Cutting grass just to go camp out for the new Jordans. I had hustle. I wasn’t raised spoon fed so I picked up a  great work ethic very early.

Pricing:

• Music Video $200
• Photoshoot $ 100
• Commercial $ 100

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dangershotz/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=dangershotz
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/home?lang=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiyNkNbmUt1louJMWZ1CNqQ