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Mike Jonathan says he's known as a one man crew who can turn his camera to music videos, TVCs, docos, drama and even the odd wedding video. "If I like the kaupapa, then I’ll do it."

One of his latest projects, Road to the Globe, follows renowned actor Rawiri Paratene and his dream to take a young cast of Maori actors and reo Maori to Shakespeare's Globe.

Mike Jonathan says he's known as a one man crew who can turn his camera to music videos, TVCs, docos, drama and even the odd wedding video. "If I like the kaupapa, then I’ll do it."

One of his latest projects, Road to the Globe, follows renowned actor Rawiri Paratene and his dream to take a young cast of Maori actors and reo Maori to Shakespeare's Globe.

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During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?

I feel most inspired when I drive. It could be at anytime of the day. I drive from Rotorua to Auckland regularly, it’s not until I turn the car stereo off, random thoughts and ideas enter my noggin.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?

A real good friend would say, “Smooth operator” lol

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?

To me, the biggest thrill is to finally see your idea go to air or premiere at a festival

How does your environment affect your work?

I can usually work anywhere as long as I don’t have my Facebook logged in

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?

I’m a self confessed control freak, I look at both

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?

Never ever give up telling the stories that you’re passionate about. That's me saying it nicely

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?

l Iove all the projects I work on, but the one that stands out is in 2007, when I was invited to the Vladivostok Film Festival with the first short film I directed called Hawaikii, I met my wife at that festival and had the best time ever, actually I still am

Who or what has inspired you recently?

Merata Mita is my biggest inspiration. Every morning, I hear her voice in my head saying, “Stop f*%king around  Mike and make your films”

Tell us a bit about your background.

I’ve been working in the Film and TV as a director, cameraman, DOP and editor. I make anything from music videos, TVC's, docos and drama. I even make the odd corporate and wedding video every now and then too. If I like the kaupapa, then I’ll do it. I'm known as specialised OPC or one man crew. I grew up in Taumarunui and after High School I moved to Rotorua and have been there ever since. The only other job I did was djing in nightclubs for 10 years. Lots of fun.

Tell us a bit about your documentary.

Road to the Globe is an intimate journey that follows renowned actor Rawiri Paratene and his dream to take a young cast of Maori actors and reo Maori to Shakespeare's Globe.

Why is documentary important?

Documentary to me is a chance to see someones perspective about other people and the way they live their lives. I love seeing what other people get up to. Good or bad, it gives you knowledge of the world we live in.

What do you think of the new documentary funding?

I think its awesome that we as doco artists have another avenue of support. Lets make more great Kiwi docos!

What else is needed to support documentaries in NZ?

In some cases you will need the big crew to shoot your doco. But sometimes its more convenient to shoot stuff yourself. With the technology today you can shoot, do your own sound and editing and make something amazing. So maybe we need more workshops like this for doco artists to become more au fait with technology?

Tell us about your other upcoming projects.

Man I'm doing so many random projects at the moment, I love it. I have just finished filming an observational TV series on, The life and times of Temuera Morrison last week we shot a film trailer that a friend and I have been working on for the past two years, to sell the idea overseas.... yeah lots more work to do on that. There's a music video for one of my favourite Kiwi bands, House of Shem to shoot, direct and edit and a four month long stint on a Survival Show with two of the meanest ex SAS guys that you'll meet. I have a doco in development but that's top secret sorry.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?

I think I'd be Tame Iti

What place is always with you, wherever you go?

Aotearoa is always with me...actually Hawaii is too

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?

My wife bought me a Vestax Spin 2 for my birthday so I just connect my iphone to it and start spinning jams. Puts me in a mini trance when I'm djing or play guitar

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?

That's easy, I'd make a throwing arrow

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?

Really? Ok Chugginthechicken....You asked

What’s great about the Documentary Edge Festival and Forum?

The Documentary Edge Festival and Forum is the biggest and best doco fest in the country. Every doco artist and wannabe should be there, if you're not there you must be already making your doco.

What’s your big idea for 2013?

My big idea for this year is top secret right now sorry for the anti-climax.

Road to the Globe: Troilus & Cressida trailer from Alexander Behse on Vimeo.