Meet Michael Rogan | Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Rogan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I think deep down I always knew I wanted to work in the film industry and live a creative life. However, I was too hesitant to start early. Where I grew up, I didn’t have a reference or a person I could reach out to and say “Hey, you made it doing this, and I want to do what you’re doing, so how can I get there?” Inevitably, it led me to adjacent paths. Think marketing, advertising, social media management, etc. There’s nothing to look down on for those careers, but there was a voice in my head that wouldn’t go away.

I would often find myself playing this game whenever I’d be in my car alone, listening to music. I would listen to a song on repeat and create a scene in my head that the song would play over in a movie. Eventually, it became clear to me that I had to at least try. I could live with trying and failing, but I was never going to forgive myself if I did nothing at all.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m just getting started. A little over two years ago I was directionless, unexcited about life, and never had any kind of filmmaking experience. Fast forward to today, I have produced a feature film that’s currently in post-production, written and directed many short films, commercials, and music videos, and am close to graduating from Savannah College of Art and Design with a Masters of Fine Arts degree. I have every intention of writing and directing my own independent films after I graduate.

This path lends itself to serious self doubt, imposter syndrome, you name it, but the negatives don’t compare to the positives of pursuing a creative career. Don’t let fear hold you back from what you desperately want to do.

A few lessons I’ve learned: Preproduction is production. Have a plan. Detail your plan to your collaborators and give them the freedom to do their jobs. Learn how to self-critique and take constructive criticism, your work will be far from perfect, it’ll be flat-out bad at the beginning, but find what could use improvement and work on it for the next project. Do that with each project and you’ll have no choice but to improve.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d take them to Piedmont Park for the amazing city views and sunsets. The Laughing Skull for some cool drinks and a comedy show. Truist Park to catch the World Series Champions Braves and enjoy ourselves at The Battery afterwards. Catch an outdoor concert at Lakewood Amphitheater. The Atlanta Aquarium for the animals and photo opportunities. The High Museum of Art for superb artworks and displays. Krog Street Tunnel and the Cabbagetown area for some of the best street art you’ll ever see and artistic shops and all the bars at the Beltline for delicious food and drinks.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My two incredible parents for their unwavering support.

Instagram: @michael__rogan

Image Credits
Diego Vargas