Mathivanan is a highly sought-after artist with an impressive career in film, internet media & live events
Manikandan Mathivanan is a cinematographer from India who sharpened his craft by working side by side with some of the best creative minds in Los Angeles. Mr. Mathivanan is a highly sought-after cinematographer who has built an impressive career in film, internet media and live events. A multi-talented professional behind the camera, Mr. Mathivanan has edited popular commercials, promos, and YouTube videos: Harrah’s Resort Funner Promo for the casino and hotel owned by the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians and operated by Caesars Entertainment Corporation.
As a director of photography for live events, he has collaborated with noted designer and visual artist Domingo Zapata on his Freedom with 2018 fashion event in Los Angeles, as well as other events like the Olympia Expo – Pole Fitness Event in Las Vegas 2018. Mr. Mathivanan has contributed his talents to leading YouTube content and commercial campaigns. He was the 2nd Cinematographer for Rudy Mancuso’s Dreams – YouTube Musical Video, gaining exposure to Rudy’s 8.5 Million social media followers. He was also cinematographer/editor of YouTube promos for the new beverage company, Bali Juice, as well as a leading online campaign for McDonald’s Brazil – “Everybody Loves Free Refill”.
His strong background as a cinematographer, director, editor and producer have inspired many artists to work with him, including internet personality, actor and musician Rudy Mancuso and Kahi Lee, an interior designer, television personality and author who has appeared as a host and designer on numerous television programs including Trading Spaces (TLC), While You Were Out (TLC and HGTV), Design On A Dime (HGTV), and The Rachael Ray Show (CBS) to name a few. His work has been featured by CinemaPlus, NewsToday, Buzzfeed, and MovieBlogger.
indieactivity : How did you decide to become a cinematographer?
Manikandan Mathivanan : As a kid, I was always curious about how they make movies and what happens behind the screen. When I was 14, my dad purchased a video camera – the one where you put mini Videotape to record. I was so excited and I actually used it to record my Cousin’s Birthday. Later I went to a camera store to develop the film.I played the video for my family and they were all so excited. I loved the attention it got me and that’s when I decided I want to do this. I didn’t know how or what I should do to get into film but all I knew was that I love the process and the attention it gets me.
So I decided to do my bachelor’s in “Communication and Design” specialized in Visual effects. I had one semester where I learnt about script writing, Production process and etc. It wasn’t in-depth but it gave me an idea about the industry. I directed two short films during my bachelors and I graduated in 2016 with the “Best Outgoing Student Award“. After graduation, I was clueless about what I have to do or how do I get work. I worked as a Copywriter for a firm in Mumbai and 3 months into it I realized I don’t wanna sit behind a desk. So I quit the internship and decided to do my Masters in Filmmaking. I got into the ‘New York Film Academy‘ in Los Angeles. This was the breaking point of my life. During my one year in Film school, I learnt a lot about working together as a team and accepting criticism.
On my second semester, we had basic cinematography class. My classmates usually stand next to the camera and thought that the camera is the most important element. But I was fascinated by the lights and how it can affect a scene. So on most of the classes, I worked as Grip/Gaffer. Then I started to shoot my classmate’s projects and I experimented a lot. During my holidays I used to work on sets with other Cinematographers as Grip and observe how they light a scene, compose an image etc. After graduating I assisted few cinematographers as a gaffer and mastered my lighting skills. By the end, I got offered a project as a cinematographer. I have shot over 40+ projects in the last two years and I love it.
indieactivity : Tell us about your most recent project?
Manikandan Mathivanan : I recently shot a Music video for “Nysza (Ananya)” London based artist. It’s a narrative music video and it is about realizing that you create your own happiness and you don’t need someone around you to make you feel better. It’s a mind game. You control your life, you can typically control the highs and the lows, and you are the one that controls your happiness.
The entire video was shot in Chennai, India. We didn’t have a huge budget or crew. It was just me with Pocket 6K camera, Ronin-s, Carl Zeiss Lenses, ND Filters and Bounce board. Majority of the video was in the outdoors and we had to cover different locations in one day. So I kept my setup simple and easy for Run and Gun. The video turned out to be amazing and I had a wonderful experience. You can see few screengrabs below. At the moment we are on the post production stage.
Another project currently am working on is for a Men’s wear company. We are in the pre-production stage and are planning to shoot the whole commercial in a bar with neon lights and strobes. So am kind of excited for the shoot.
indieactivity : How do you prepare for work when you get a new project?
Manikandan Mathivanan : This is a tricky question. It depends on what project it is. If it’s a short/feature film then I dig more into the story and the director’s vision. See if I can connect with the script because only then I believe I’ll be able to bring justice to the film. Also I love to spend time with Director and see if I can vibe with them. Then comes all the technical/artistic aspects.
indieactivity : Who is you favourite cinematographer?
Manikandan Mathivanan : Emmanuel Lubezki or “Chivo” as he is fondly called is one of my favorite cinematographers. His uncanny eye for framing and sense of movement is quite possibly unmatched.
indieactivity : What brand of camera is your favourite?
Manikandan Mathivanan : Recently am in love with the new Blackmagic pocket 6K camera. Since I shoot a lot of short content and have to keep my gear simple it does the job. Also the post-production workflow is simple with it. But if I have enough budget then I would go for Alexa mini.
indieactivity : How do you like to work with your camera crew?
Manikandan Mathivanan : I treat them with honesty and respect. Keep them informed with everything and sometimes I ask their opinion about my framing/lighting. And I expect the same from them.
indieactivity : Is there a science behind what you do?
Manikandan Mathivanan : I try not to think about this most of the times. Sometimes on set my gaffer or key grip goes all tech savvy and am always quiet lol. I do whatever it takes to create a beautiful image and save time.
Of Course you should know the basic concept involved behind the camera/lights but just don’t go too nerdy because sometimes you might get lost.
indieactivity : Give us an idea of you gear on an indie production?
Manikandan Mathivanan : It honestly depends on the project and on an Indie production I invest more on lights than camera. And I also ask the production not to compromise on location or production design because it plays a huge role. I would rather sacrifice my pay or go with minimal crew instead of compromising on the look of a scene.
indieactivity : What do you want most from a director?
Manikandan Mathivanan : Relationship between a Director and Cinematographer is like ‘Husband and wife’. You should be open with your ideas and trust each other. If not it’s not going to work. I would love the Director to give me my creative freedom and not to micromanage me on set. Creative arguments are good but only during pre-production.
Fortunately I have worked with directors who always trust me with my creativity.
indieactivity : What do you want most from an actor?
Manikandan Mathivanan : To forget about how they look on camera and focus on their acting. This happens a lot and they get cautious.
indieactivity : What advice would you give DoP’s around the world?
Manikandan Mathivanan : Sometimes I come across DOP’s who complicate their lighting and are just stuck with a wide shot. Lighting is like adding salt to your soup the more you add more bad it’s going to be. A simple 650w with a softbox as a key, Bounce card as fill and 300w as backlight does the trick sometimes.
So keep your setup simple and get the most out of it.
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