Daily Inspiration: Meet Mitch Medeiros

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mitch Medeiros. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Well, I was born and raised in central California. I studied accounting in college and graduated in 2008, right as a big recession hit. I had been in a long-distance relationship with a girl from Phoenix and I didn’t have a job lined up, so I decided to pack up and move to Arizona. A state where I knew exactly one person, my then-girlfriend. Thinking back, it still kind of baffles me that I took that kind of leap as I’m not really the risk-taking type. 

Phoenix didn’t prove to be much more lucrative as far as entry-level accounting jobs went. At that time, many more experienced professionals had been laid off and were having to settle for much lower-paying jobs. Jobs that would’ve been ideal for someone like me. Three times over two years, I was hired and laid off due to recession-related cutbacks. 

It was a “character-building” time for me but I eventually found an entry-level position at a large, well-known company. This was supposed to be exact type of job that I wanted. However, after a few months, I realized that I could not see myself doing this for next four to five decades. 

Around this time, my girlfriend and I decided to end our relationship. I had every intention of moving back to California but I didn’t want to do it because I had to. I didn’t want to do it because it was my only choice. I didn’t want to end this chapter defeated, running away with my tail between my legs. In an ill-advised, borderline pigheaded move, I decided that I would stick around until I was ready to leave on my own terms. 

Thankfully, over the next year, I’d made a good group of friends, left the big company for a role at a much smaller one, and started dating my future wife. 

Although I’d changed companies, my distaste for accounting persisted. I kept working but at this point, I focused my energy on opening a gym. We started out of my backyard with a few friends, moved into a small martial arts studio, then moved into a great space, and I married my wife all within the next two years. 

Two years pass and our first daughter is born. It was incredible to realize that all of the annoying cliches that parents say are 100% true. It’s difficult to put into words, but the love that you feel for your child is very powerful. 

I wanted to capture every moment so I started taking photos and videos non-stop. I used my phone, a GoPro action camera, and a hand-me-down DSLR point and shoot camera. My father was in the military for 40+ years but he could’ve been a photographer if it fell through. He had given me the camera and a base knowledge of how to use it. 

As the months passed, I flooded my social media with an obnoxious amount poorly edited photos and videos of my daughter. Another two years pass and our second daughter is born. I continue to make family videos and post them for my friends to see on social media. 

One friend reached out and trusted me enough to ask me to shoot her wedding. It was terrifying. I excitedly accepted and watched every YouTube “wedding filmmaking” tutorial that I could find. I did my best to look like I knew what I was doing and put together a video that included many technical flaws but made the couple happy. 

I was a great feeling so I decided to pursue video production and see where I could take it. I started out by nervously pitching free advertising videos for my barber and meal prep company. I kept trying to turn one reference into another, and another. I kept at it while working at the office, working at the gym, and trying to make sure that I was there for my family. 

Four years after my first daughter was born, I finally felt ready to leave the desk job for good. After a solid pep talk from my wife, I put in my two weeks’ notice. This was October of 2019. 

I started 2020 full of optimism and ready to hustle now that I no longer had the safety net of an accounting job. My career “destiny” was in my hands, or so I thought. 

2020 threw us all for a loop but luckily, I stumbled into a niche that kept my afloat. When apartments stopped doing in-person tours, many ended up hiring me to create a video walkthrough tour for potential renters. There was no shortage of demand and these are still a big part of my business to this day. 

At this point, I’ve been freelancing for just over three years. I’ve been lucky enough to travel and meet some really interesting people for work. It’s not always easy or relaxing, but I feel lucky to be where I’m at. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I quit my office job in October 2019 to pursue video work full-time. Given the lockdowns and general craziness these last two years, I feel grateful to have made it through. 

Also, work/life balance is a constant struggle. It’s easy to put work off until my family goes to bed, but then I end up skipping sleep to edit. I’ve tried to adjust to keep more “normal” bourse. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
When people ask what I do, my standard response is that “I’m a video guy.” There are many specialized roles in the film industry but I haven’t put in the time to say “I’m a director of photography,” or “I’m a gaffer.” 

Basically, most of my jobs are smaller shots where I’m a one-man band. I do a bit of everything from camera operating, audio, interviewing, etc. 

However, I do love working as a part of a larger crew when I get the chance. 

As far as the type of projects I work on, it’s a wide variety. Anything from apartment virtual tours to sit-down interviews. 

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I’ve really grown to love Phoenix over the years. I moved here in 2008, assuming it was a desert like most other people. However, since living here I’ve come to see some of the wide variety of attractions that Phoenix has to offer. 

There are a ton of hikes that are easily accessible and usable for most of the year. Lots of good coffee and pastry shops all over the valley. We’ve got some big sport franchises with very active fan bases. 

Plus, Phoenix is more of a melting pot than most people realize. At least in my opinion. 

Contact Info:

• Email: mitch@mitchmedmedia.com
• Website: mitchmedmedia.com
• Instagram: Mitchmedmedia