Michael Kudreiko
Director/Director of Photography
Freelance
(Dearborn, MI)

Once a young Michael Kudreiko got his hands on a guitar, he thought of little else when it came to the future. So sure was he that a successful career in the music industry was inevitable, there simply was no back-up plan. That is, until the day he fell into driving a truck for a scrap metal company to pay the bills and realized this might be it if he didn’t come up with an alternative.

Based on his interest in music and film, Mike’s father urged him to look into the programs offered at Specs Howard School. He enrolled in 1987.

While pursuing a career in video production was seemingly unrelated to his aspirations as a musician, the field did provide him with an outlet for his talent and creativity. His first job out of school was at LTM, a lighting rental house, where he worked until the company closed its doors in 1989.

However the setback was brief as his experience at LTM eventually led to a job with an established lighting director at Ford. It was then that he realized a freelance career suited him; the networking had begun.

Today, Michael Kudreiko is a successful freelance director of photography, director and editor. He’s also the lead guitarist of Robb Roy, a highly respected modern rock band based in the Detroit area. The flexible nature of a freelancer’s schedule has allowed him the time and energy to put into both careers as well as the opportunity for the two to cross paths and enhance one another.

Perhaps the best example of this would be the band’s featured performances in television commercials for JBL Audio Systems and GM’s Hummer as well as an impressive collection of high-end professional quality music videos. While it may not be quite the path he had in mind as a youth, Kudreiko’s back-up plan has undoubtedly taken his aspirations full circle.

How did you go about building a freelance career?
Be the kind of person everybody wants on the set. Talent and a good work attitude add up to a good chance of being hired.

How/where do you find work?
Networking at industry functions. Internet crew services, friends.  I always say that it takes about two years to get established. That doesn't mean you’re "there;" it just means people know who you are and have the option to hire you. I worked part-time at a motorcycle shop while I was trying to get myself known.

What kind of work do you find you do most? (What's in demand?)
I specialize in Directing and Director of Photography work. I'm also getting more editing and digital imaging work. Digital, digital, digital...it's what's now and into the future.

Have you had to invest in a lot of equipment?
I've spent a great deal on equipment. Two edit systems, camera package, etc. It's not mandatory though. I just wanted to increase my chances of getting hired. You know, diversify.

What would you say is the biggest challenge in being in business for yourself?
Not freaking out when the phone doesn't ring for a week or two. The film/video business is cyclical just like other businesses. If you’re good and keep a good size client base going, you'll come out okay. Another hard thing that some people don't realize even happens is waiting to get paid. Sometimes it takes up to three months (although rare) to get a check. You have to be good at creative financing.

What is it about freelancing that works for you?
Being my own boss. Taking what jobs (within reason, I still have to eat and can't be THAT picky) I want to work on. When I want to add a service to my resume, I learn it and offer it.

What have been some of the highlights/favorite jobs/accomplishments in your career?
One of my favorite jobs was working on Ozzy Osbourne's Farewell tour in the early 90s. It was a blast. The truth is, there's so many great jobs it's hard to keep track. I think I'm very fortunate to work in a business that I love and I also get to see a lot of things that the normal person would never be able to see. How about all area access for the Red Wings during the playoffs? Putting a wireless mic on Aretha Franklin, or getting pulled back by the Secret Service while doing camera work for Al Gore during his campaign. You just never know.

In what direction do you see your career heading in the years ahead?
The next chapter in my freelance life will take me to LA where my wife (Susan) and I are planning to move to pursue our dreams even further.  

Links to MORE about Mike Kudreiko:

Robb Roy
(Official website)

All photos appear courtesy of Robb Roy.
Photographer: Kim Simms

KELLY BROWN
Air Talent
WIOT 104.7 FM
(Toledo, OH)

SHELLEY IRWIN
Host/Producer
WGVU-1480 AM
(Grand Rapids, MI)

SCREAMIN' SCOTT RANDALL
Air Personality
WRIF 101 FM
(Detroit, MI)

Mike Staff
DJ/Owner
Mike Staff Production(Madison Heights, MI)

CAROLYN STONE
Assistant Program Director/Air Personality
106.5 The Zone
(Toledo, OH)

GARY WANN
Promotion Writer/ Producer
Fox 2 Detroit
(Detroit, MI)