Michael Foster is a 32year old Filmmaker from Holywood.
In 2014 Michael quit his office job in finance after 8 years to pursue his dream. He knew he wanted to do something creative and always had a passion for the moving image and film.
He returned to study full time as a mature student, sold his car, moved across the country into shared accommodation, bought a DSLR, and started making promotional videos for local businesses, events and artists in his spare time. His early work received award and recognition which, in turn, spring-boarded Michael into working professionally on larger productions.
What genre / style do you create in?
You name it, I’ll probably have made something in that genre. Variety is the spice of life and leaving behind the 9-to-5 office grind makes me appreciate that every day!
What would you be best known for?
I’d say I’m probably best known for my film work with comedians Shane Todd and Dave Elliott. We’re friends from childhood who lost touch and came back together when I started making videos in 2014. I’ve filmed lots with them over the years including countless sketches, music videos, interviews with celebs, live standup shows, sitcoms and documentaries. The sum total of all my work with these guys has had millions of views and they’ve really helped get my name out there whilst having lots of fun in the process.
What would you consider your biggest achievement?
I was hired as Director of Photography on my first Northern Ireland Screen-backed short film in summer 2019 – ‘The Suit’, written and directed by Mark Hamilton. My main ambition is to work as a Director of Photography in Film & TV, so ‘The Suit’ will always hold a special place for me as my first “official” outing as DoP.
Photo by Ian McCormick
What would you consider to be the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your industry?
Relax! We’re (usually) not saving lives in this industry. Your blood pressure will thank you; I’ve been at the receiving end of a severe burnout from overwork and undue stress and it’s not pretty. Enjoy the journey, don’t be scared of failure and just do your best.
What has been your biggest challenge to date?
I recently filmed a one-hour BBC TV documentary special for Afro-Mic Productions called “Our Weddings”.
The programme was shot at 12 different couples’ houses around NI over the course of one month – entirely during the height of lockdown here. With the nationwide COVID restrictions still in place, it meant I was not allowed any other crew with me, wasn’t allowed to be in the same room as the couples, had to remotely operate the camera, sound and lighting from outside their houses in full PPE and so on.
My partner Georgia (who I live with) normally works in a coffee shop and had never worked on anything like this, but as she was furloughed she stepped up to the mark impeccably to help me out with all the shoots and really was instrumental in making the programme happen. I would have struggled on my own and it definitely wouldn’t have turned out as good as it did!
Tell us a little about your personal life, are you married, kids, hobbies etc?
I’m from Holywood and live there now with my partner Georgia, just round the corner from my mum and most of my family which is nice.
When I’m not pointing cameras at people I enjoy dance music, festivals (virtual ones are great but you just can’t beat the real thing) and sunny trips to foreign lands.
Tell us about your most recent work?
I was a camera operator on the new album launch video series for indie singer-songwriter Jealous Of The Birds aka Naomi Hamilton.
It was a collaboration with Director Gregg Houston/Babysweet & DoP Matt Rozier who brought me and some other talented camera guys together at Forfey studios in East Belfast to spend the day filming a really beautiful series of live performances.
Naomi was accompanied by an amazing band and a string quartet which was the icing on the cake for me. The album is called Peninsula which is out on Friday 18th September – check out the haunting song “Epistle” which has stayed with me from the day of our shoot…chills!
What would you like us to tell people about?
www.michaelfoster.tv – I come with broadcast-quality camera, lighting and sound kit, have worked for some of the biggest names in the world and have a long list of happy clients and collaborators!
Watch snippets of Michaels works:
If you had to describe your work to someone who has never heard of you what would you say?
Lit…get it?
What’s the funniest experience you’ve had in your business?
I once filmed a herd of cows swimming (yes, swimming) across Lough Erne for National Trust. The footage was broadcast nationwide on BBC Breakfast shortly after – that was pretty funny. Cows are always funny.
Either that, or filming TV commercials for Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful with Armchair & Rocket, featuring an angry pink bird puppet shouting at people not to litter and to pick up their dog’s poop!
What would your advice be to young people hoping to pursue the same industry?
For aspiring filmmakers, just start making whatever you can using whatever you have – a DSLR, an iPhone, your dad’s old tape camcorder – whatever.
Knock doors, meet people for coffees, leverage your friends and family who will always have time to help you. The best calling card you can have to get your next piece of work is a portfolio of existing work and a list of people who will vouch for how great a job you did for them.
I studied formally for 4 years and no-one, neither during nor since, has asked me what degree I have. The professional equipment, contacts and skills will all come with time – just get started and it’ll happen naturally!
Anything else you want to tell people about yourself or your work?
I’m always on the look out for new creative people and crew to work with – DPs, camera operators, editors, directors, producers, production designers, gaffers, musicians…get in touch if you want to make some cool things together.
Who do you look up to and why?
My good friend Kyle Gawley. His advice and mentorship was the catalyst for me choosing to follow my gut, quit the office job I didn’t enjoy and go do something creative and meaningful with my life instead. Cheers, Kyle!
You can find Michael on Instagram and Facebook!