Here are some things I’ve learned this year as a 22yr old director who didn’t go to film school…
More patience — One of the most important skills on set is understanding people. Clear communication and patience in chaotic moments makes everything run smoother and gets you closer to a job well done.
Paint the picture, not the technicals — Coming up trying to learn every role taught me this: your team does their best work when you focus on the feeling and visuals you want to express. Over-explaining the technicals can limit their creativity. Paint the vision, give them space, and let them elevate it.
Bring the energy — As the director, your energy sets the tone. Things will go wrong, but staying composed prevents chaos. Bring good vibes so the room feels alive and people enjoy the process. Great energy = great outcomes.
Do more homework than you think — You should understand the project better than anyone, including the writer imo. Details shape how the story lands. The deeper you study the script/concept, the better you can translate it for the viewer. Shortcuts only limit the project’s potential.
Learn to pivot — Things fall apart in this industry all the time. On and off set. Staying adaptable and level-headed helps you push through challenges and stand out as someone who knows what they’re doing.
Find crew you trust — The right people make everything flow. Stay active in the community and meet new creatives. Don’t box yourself into the same circle every project — new people bring new ideas. Build a roster of folks you genuinely vibe with and can create magic with.
Bonus: Protect your energy — You only have 100% a day. Splitting that across five projects means each one gets 20%. I’m learning to create more space so the projects I take on in 2026 get the best version of me.
Let me know what you think of these.
#filmtips #filmdirector #filmmaking #cinematic
Merci @voyagelamag 🥂🤝
I got the opportunity to share a bit of my story. Check out the full feature to learn more about me. Link in bio 🙌🏾
Photography by: @1tbns
#creativejourney #magazinecover #filmmaker #storytelling #inspiringstories
Excited to share this short film soon. We follow a conversation on what it means to feel free and love while exploring the similar beauty’s Jordan has to offer. A quiet place in a loud neighbourhood, Jordan, an Oasis worth exploring. A real life experience worth sharing. I can’t wait to hear all the feedback. Thank you for supporting me.
#filmdirector #shortfilm #jordan
I love getting a call 2 days before an out of town documentary to Cam op with @liam.wark . Check out some of my favorite frames from his project “Made to Last”. Used some beautiful vintage lenses (Helios 44-2 58mm) I never knew I needed on this. Very happy with the world we created.
#filmmaking #documentary #cinematography
As a director & entrepreneur building a creative studio, here are some things that help me keep track!
Music.
- I attach a song to every project and business action I do. Music is one of the biggest things that inspire me so creating an audio world around a project, lets me transport between worlds/clients and helps me focus on what current world tasks I can take on passionately.
Not all money is the best money.
- Take on projects that fuel. Some fuel more than others but I try my absolute hardest to only align with projects that feel right with our company. One project that doesn’t align can ruin the ecosystems tempo so I rather protect that energy.
Making sure to take days off, even when there’s always something to get done.
- Work will always be there. There’s always something happening. So it’s important for me to take intentional time away to refuel. I’m constantly learning how to better communicate timelines w/ clients to allow for this. I’d be a disservice to them if I can’t give a project my all and produce the best work that I want to produce if I’m feeling drained, burnt out or uninspired.
Bonus)
- I remember that I’m human and also an artist. It’s easy to operate as a machine when you’ve figured out a good system. But what makes creative services special at the core is that it takes emotion to create. Machines don’t have emotions the way humans do. They’re valuable tools, but I try to remember that my best work will come from being emotional. And so I need to be human. Experiencing things in life, engage with friends & family, take time alone to reflect on the journey.
What works for you guys when there’s a tall work order?! Lmk in the comments or dm!
#Entrepreneur #creative #mentalhealth #filmmaking
Paris will forever hold a special place in my heart. Filming this campaign for safi with everyone was truly fun and it translated so well on camera. The film is called “Journey Together” and we wanted to create something that felt raw and authentic, but still spoke to the class level that @saficreatives brings in a way that’s fun, community driven, and inspiring. Here’s some of my favorite frames.
#fashionfilm #cinematography #paris #filmmaking
Re-introducing Safi.
A creative experience made for people that believe change is the only constant and that life is meant to be lived and expressed fully.
Attend Safi's upcoming fashion show, Po Na Yo - "For You", presented by @tofw.ca on May 17th at 5 pm
Journey together.
Presented by Safi Creatives @saficreatives
Production Company
ÄNAŸEZ
@anayez.co
Directed by:
Michael Mamic
@michaelmamic
Creative Directors:
Elena Safi
Michael Mamic
Designer:
Elena Safi @elenaxsafi
Models:
Elijah Dabo @fricatello
Pauline Ashanti @ashantiibby_
Emma Villain @emma_vilain
Music:
Tomorrow by Neema Nekesa
@neemanekesaofficial
Special Thanks to:
Bobines & Combines
One thing about working with @abbiwoods and her team is that they always push my creative capabilities as a director/filmmaker. An ecosystem full of passion, blunt realism where we can challenge each other to make the best possible products with whatever resources, while also still being dreamers. The exact kind of environment I’m trying to build at @anayez.co with any artist, brand, or creative. Check out some of my favorite frames and BTS moments of “Scattered Bodies” we filmed last year.
Production: @anayez.co
Director: @michaelmamic
Drone Op: @cestlevi_
Stylist:@zxazu
Style Ass: @ml.hassan
MUA: @ms.mylesmua
PA’s: @barsu.az , @hermon.az
BTS: @zachminawi
#musicvideo #storytelling #behindthescenes🎬
