Michael McQueen is the music video director for next week’s DMP show, featuring Kristen Leigh, Morgan McPherson and Randy Furches.
Over the past year, we’ve crossed paths on Facebook and at local film screenings, so I was excited when he showed interest in contributing to our project, but I still didn’t know much about his story.
That changes today.
DMP: So, Michael, what got you started with shooting? Was it a life long passion or a particular director that got you hooked?
MM: I got into doing video through riding BMX bikes. Basically, I started filming my friends riding and doing tricks. Eventually, I started filming professional riders and got gigs working in the BMX industry as a videographer.
DMP: Is BMX now your primary focus?
MM: I’ve done work for a lot of the independent BMX companies, but also larger companies like Red Bull, Target, Levis and Fuel TV. All of that led me to doing commercial video production, which led to my current job as video producer for the News & Record. I still do a little bit of freelance work in the BMX industry, mostly with Eastern Bikes doing web videos. I’m currently in production of a full length video of their team, due out in September.
DMP: Sounds like a handful. How do you manage it all by yourself?
MM: I don’t. For my freelance commercial production, I work with Matthew B. Moore. Together, we own and operate King Coyote Productions.
DMP: You’re participating in the 48 Hour Film Festival this weekend, as you have in the past with your work on Good Morning Mr. Brown. What gets you juiced about the festival? Is it the time based production challenge? The intense competition within the local film community?
MM: The 48hrff is always a fun time. In the past I’ve always worked with the Good As A Mugg team. The director, Matt Moore, and I have been friends and business partners for a long time. We work well together and have an awesome crew. But this year the stars didn’t align and the team couldn’t play as a whole. So you’ll see us scattered amongst different teams, kicking ass as usual! I’ll be on Ike Quigley’s team: 10lb Hammer. It is crazy that Greensboro has such a large independent film community. To have ~30 teams enter a contest and compete on that level is amazing. And each year the films just get better and better.
DMP: Do you have the itch to direct a feature film? It seems like that’s the dream of every filmmaker we’ve come across on the project.
MM: My involvement in film has always been just one of the players. So movie wise, no, not directing. That’s not my thing. If i’m doing anything on a film it’s going to be sound. That’s my passion as far as film making goes. Now maybe a documentary… I just haven’t found a good one to go long form on. Maybe one day.
DMP: With everything going on in your life right now — the full-time gig, your marriage, your freelance work, the 48 FF, I’m sure I’m missing something else — what drew you to collaborate on a DMP shoot? Are you that much of a music fan?
MM: While filming BMX, I was going to a lot of hardcore shows in the Winston area. So naturally, I’d take my camera with me and film bands. That led to me working with Blake Faucette on his Series DVD video magazine. I have a strong passion for music and I suck at playing an instrument, so I use my camera as my way to connect. I’m always looking for a way to stay close to the music scene and DMP is an amazing way to keep doing that.
DMP: Thanks for your time, Michael. Catch you next week at the show.
MM: You got it.
Another local talent ready to document local talent.
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