MICHAEL JAMES MURRAY
Director | Director of Photography | Photographer
Michael is an Emmy award winner specializing in an elevated and cinematic approach to documentary and commercial films.
In 2019 I launched an independent, creative production agency called Piacere, which is an Italian word meaning pleased to meet you.
Piacere specializes in in branded storytelling – from documentary and commercial film to studio photography. We also offer a full service detail from concept development, production as well as post production and finishing.
SHORT BRANDED FILMS
Amazon Music "Before You Go On" ft. Noah Cyrus
We followed Noah’s story to the stage and the final reflections and seconds before she goes on in Amazon Music’s series, Before You Go On.
Island Creek Oysters "Everybody Wins"
Everybody loves oysters, but few understand the significant benefits oysters and oyster farming have on the larger ecosystem as well as the economies of coastal communities, like Duxbury. When Skip Bennett founded Island Creek Oysters in 1990, he changed the way people live and work on Duxbury Bay. Aquaculture, like oyster farming, create jobs, cleaner water, and provide sustainable protein for shuckers everywhere. .
Hop Wtr "Get Up To No Good"
HOP WTR embraces the positive power of “No.” We proudly have no: alcohol, calories, carbs, sugar, gluten or GMOs. All so you never have to choose between having fun or missing out.
Mazda
For Mazda’s 100th anniversary, they are honoring the human spirit by giving back to those who have given their all. They are highlighting 50 selfless individuals who’ve done heroic things for their communities by rewarding each of them with a Mazda MX-5 Miata 100th Anniversary Special Edition vehicle. Josiah, a hard-working student from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was nominated for his determination and the action he took to help others.
Courageous Studios (CNN) + John Hancock "Reimagining Wealth"
For Nick and Lindsey Ybarra, the Maah Daah Hey is more than just a trail, it’s a place where people come together. After seven years of maintaining the trail and organizing the Maah Daah Hey 100 bike race with the help from loyal volunteers, the Ybarra family remains more committed than ever to preserving this pristine piece of wilderness.
VICE x State Farm "Notes for Notes"
With the decline in arts education, Notes For Notes, State Farm and Berhana came together to fill a void and to inspire the next generation of aspiring musicians. In conjunction with State Farm’s “Neighborhood of Good Campaign,” they’ve spotlighted Notes for Notes, a unique charity organization providing youth with completely free access to musical instruments, instruction and recording studio environments.
COMMERCIAL
Verb - Ghost Shampoo Commercial
Studio commerical for Austin hair care brand Verb — custom studio set built on location in Brooklyn, New York.
Verb - Glossy Shampoo Commercial
Studio commerical for Austin hair care brand Verb — custom studio set built on location in Brooklyn, New York.
Verb - Ghost Shampoo Commercial
Studio commerical for Austin hair care brand Verb — custom studio set built on location in Brooklyn, New York.
Tito's Handmade Vodka
Studio commerical for Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Tito's Handmade Vodka "Espresso Martini"
Studio commerical for Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Tito's Handmade Vodka "Tito's Soda Lime"
Studio commerical for Austin hair care brand Verb — custom studio set built on location in Brooklyn, New York.
Ørsted "US Brand Film"
Short commercial film for Ørsted, the largest power company based in Denmark. The commercial was intended to introduce Ørsted to their North American audience.
Tito's Handmade Vodka x PGA Tour Commercial
Short commercial for Tito’s Handmade Vodka and PGA Tour, shot on location at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, home of The Players Championship.
Made In x Chef's Table Nancy Silverton
Short commercial for Austin based cookware brand Made In, introudcing a new grill pan and knife from Chef’s Table star and chef Nancy Silverton. Filmed on location at Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles, California.
JanSport "Durability" Commercial
Short commercial for heritage brand JanSport showcasing the durability of their classic and lifetime warranty backpacks.
JanSport "Durability" Commercial
Short commercial for heritage brand JanSport showcasing the durability of their classic and lifetime warranty backpacks.
JanSport "Durability" Commercial
Short commercial for heritage brand JanSport showcasing the durability of their classic and lifetime warranty backpacks.
EPISODIC
Red Bull E-Sports Unfold Series "JerAx"
When Jesse ‘JerAx’ Vainikka jumps into Dota the only thing that matters is his impressive support play. But JerAx is still working to figure out his priorities outside of the game.
Red Bull E-Sports Unfold Series "Mimi"
If you know your Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, the name Michaela ‘mimi’ Lintrup should be familiar to you. That’s because the Danish player, who’s currently playing for XSET, is among the elite of female CS:GO players. But that’s not enough for Michaela. Her mission is to become the world’s best and she’s proven that she has the skills to do so.
Red Bull E-Sports Unfold Series "Topson"
Two years after joining Team OG from relative obscurity, Finland’s Topias ‘Topson’ Taavitsainen helped lead them to successive titles at The International. But what does the future hold for him?.
Where People Forget to Die "Sardinia, Italy"
A series exploring people who are living the longest and healthiest. We ventured to the island of Sardinia off the coast of Italy to understand why Sardinians have one of the greatest populations of centenarians.
Where People Forget to Die "Ikaria, Greece"
A mountainous island off the coast of Greece, Ikaria is home an isolated culture rich in tradition, family values and longevity.
Where People Forget to Die "Okinawa, Japan"
The Okinawans show us that living a healthy lifestyle will not only help us live longer but to do so with a deep sense of spirituality, meaning, and purpose.
International Olympics Committee "Dutee"
An award-winning film that explores the darker side of the Olympics and sports history. Indian sprinter Dutee Chand challenged gender testing policies after being disqualified for natural hormone levels. Her case made history.
International Olympics Committee "Apart"
An award-winning film that explores the darker side of the Olympics and sports history.During apartheid, a promising sprinter named Odessa Swarts was unable to compete internationally. Now, her son Wayde van Niekerk is an Olympic champion.
International Olympics Committee "Identify"
Schuyler Bailar is a decorated swimmer who was recruited to Harvard as a female, but has found peace after transitioning to a male.
FEATURE FILMS
The Most Unknown (Feature Film Official Trailer)
The Most Unknown is an epic documentary film that sends nine scientists to extraordinary parts of the world to uncover unexpected answers to some of humanity’s biggest questions. How did life begin? What is time? What is consciousness? How much do we really know?
The Long Coast (Official Trailer) -
In a series of lyrical portraits, THE LONG COAST illuminates the stories of Maine’s seafolk, those whose lives and livelihoods are inextricably connected to the ocean. This atmospheric film shows the beauty, intimacy, and uncertainty that coastal dwellers face in rooting their lives in the ocean, particularly as human actions — from overfishing, to aquaculture, to warming seas — confront Maine and its people with profound change.
Breathe In
World Champion kiter Kari Schibevaag and four colleagues embark on a 15-day long expedition to cross Svalbard from the south to the north. They want to document climate changes and explore the arctic nature while using the power of the wind and kites to move. The team face extreme conditions and dangers, from glacier cracks to securing their camp sites in areas inhabited by polar bears. World Premiere: 2018 Tromsø International Film Festival