Interview
Mike Gentile
LiFi Media Production, LLC , United States
When your home goes dark from no power, Spark Electrician Services comes in to rescue you from being in the dark. And it’s all thanks to Mike’s great video that helped them!
1 Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your background.
I always had a passion for music. Having attending 2 years of music school I discovered I didn't want to have a career in music. After 15 years in corporate management I rediscovered my creativity in photography and video production. After launching my business in 2021 I found rapid success in my region. Focusing on corporate video production and cinematic wedding films we have been able to reach all types of individuals and businesses and change lives with our storytelling.
2 What made you become/why did you choose to become a digital designer/artist?
I found that I had a eye and ear for creating dramatic and captivating films. While I am still learning this profession I am picking up new skills at a rapid pace.
3 Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.
LiFi Media Production, LLC offers video production for businesses and individuals, focusing on corporate videography and wedding videography. We also offer photography services as part of our bundled offerings.
4 What’s your favorite kind of digital design and why?
I really enjoy interviewing people. The most emotional and impactful content I've found comes from having an honest conversation with another person.
5 To you, what makes a “good” design?
To me it is all about the audio and the music. Timing, volume, suspense, resolution. If I get chills when I am editing a film I know I am on the right track!
6 Describe your design style and its main characteristics.
I use music to emphasize hard cuts between clips. I am not a big fan of fancy transitions but will work them in from time to time. I like simple and effective.
7 Tell us about your design process.
My design process is very dynamic. A lot of my shooting is inspired in the moment. I like to be flexible and let the content come organically.
8 Where do you draw inspiration from?
Movies for sure. I have always been a huge cinema fan, even the worst movies I find them interesting. It always comes back to sound design for me, my favorite movies live in my memory attached to the soundtrack and vice versa.
9 What current trends in digital design (or really anything digital related) are you most excited about?
I am really excited to see how 3D and augmented reality becomes more commonplace. The user experience is certainly headed in that direction.
10 Congratulations! As the winner of the 2022 Vega Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
I am beyond honored, I was hoping to maybe place but never expected to receive the Canopus award. So grateful for the Vega Awards and looking forward to submitting more works in the future!
11 Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2022 Vega Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
I knew this specific piece had something special about it. The way that the content came together just struck a cord. The client's response was that they got teary-eyed watching it. I am so humbled that my work could have such a profound impact.
12 What was the biggest challenge with this project?
I had a lot of technical limitations with this project, specifically color matching shots from different cameras and different bit-depth. I never got it perfect but it was close enough to not be noticeable to the clients.
13 How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?
This is to be determined. Being my first award I am very excited to tell the world!
14 What are your top three (3) favorite things about the digital industry?
1. I am constantly being inspired by talent that far exceeds my current level, and I like that I always have something to strive for. 2. I have found the support of my peers to be critical but in a positive way. 3. There is no limitations on growth!
15 What makes your country specifically, unique in the digital industry?
I think the United States has a diverse subset of people who draw creativity from different places and that results in an interesting contrast of work.
16 Where do you see the evolution of digital industry going over the next 5-10 years?
More VR and AR
17 If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring Vega Award submitter, what advice would you give them?
Just create content with your heart, use your brain to make things technically correct, but let your heart tell the story.
18 What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the digital industry?
Most everything I have learned is from YouTube and getting out there and shooting. I cannot recommend a quicker way to get comfortable filming and editing.
19 Tell us something you have never told anyone else.
I've told people this before, but I am a crier. I've definitely had to walk away from my computer a couple times because the work triggered my emotions, but I use that to my advantage.
20 Who has inspired you in your life and why?
My wife inspires me every day. Her and my children are why I work so hard to provide a stable future for them.
21 What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Just keep improving, you won't ever be perfect, just keep being better.
22 Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?
Thank you to the jurors and Vega Awards, I cannot wait for my statuette to arrive!
