One of the ASC’s “Rising Stars of Cinematography” for 2020, Mike’s fourth feature BRIGHTBURN, produced by James Gunn (GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY) was released to theaters across the world Memorial Day 2019. His film BOOKS OF BLOOD premiered on Hulu in October of 2020.  

Known as “Mike D,” the Nicaragua born director of photography arrived in the United States at the age of three and grew up in South Central Los Angeles. He was featured in the Oscar-nominated documentary COLORS STRAIGHT UP which followed his participation in the inner city performing arts group, Colors United. That experience inspired him become a filmmaker. Mike was recognized for his talents and promising future with the Beating the Odds Award (presented by Marian Wright Edelman of the Children’s Defense Fund.)

After graduating from Jordan High School in Watts, CA, Mike entered programs like Inner-City Filmmakers and went on to study film at Los Angeles Community College. While attending LACC he landed a job at the premiere camera house, Panavision and has spent 18 years learning from their engineers on top of the line equipment.

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