MICHAEL JAMES MURRAY
Director | Director of Photography | Photographer | FAA Part 107 Certified | Advanced Scuba Certified
Michael James Murray is an Emmy award-winning director, cinematographer, and photographer with over a decade of experience creating branded, commercial, and documentary content. His portfolio includes work for leading media brands such as Condé Nast (GQ, Bon Appétit, ESPN), VICE, CNN, and HBO. Known for his innovative approach, MJ specializes in blending the authenticity of documentary storytelling with the visual refinement of commercial filmmaking, consistently crafting impactful, visually striking campaigns.
In 2019, he founded Piacere, an independent creative production agency providing comprehensive services — from ideation and concept development to full-scale production and polished post-production finishing.
Get in touch | michael@hello-piacere.com
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.
Directing Reel - Creative Direction | Cinematic Storytelling
A showcase of work from Piacere—an award-winning creative studio rooted in collaboration, authenticity, and compelling storytelling. As founder and director, I oversee concept development, production, and post-production, crafting cinematic narratives from idea to execution.
Crew Supply Co. Branded Content | Lifestyle & Beverage
This vibrant commercial for Crew Supply Co. highlights the joy of crafting cocktails both at home and behind the bar. Shot across an intimate cocktail bar and a stylish modern home, the video captures authentic, relatable moments, emphasizing my ability to blend lifestyle storytelling with visually engaging commercial aesthetics.
Day to Night | Lifestyle & Visual Storytelling
Day to Night, filmed in the stunning landscapes of Borrego Springs, CA, highlights my passion and expertise in beverage-focused filmmaking. This vibrant spec piece captures the effortless transition from sunlit leisure to evening indulgence, emphasizing my approach to visually elevating drink brands through cinematic storytelling.
Condé Nast Traveler x Tequila Ocho | Branded Storytelling | Culture & Craft Cocktails
Produced with Condé Nast Traveler and Tequila Ocho, this piece captures an intimate conversation between bartender Moe Aljaff and editor Megan Spurrell. Set at the bar, the film weaves together stories of culture, craft, and place—mirroring the unique terroir that defines Tequila Ocho. A warm, personal exploration of flavor, tradition, and connection.
Blood Orange Boulevardier Jack Daniel's Bonded Rye | Bold & Sophisticated
Featuring Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye Whiskey, this stylish piece brings to life the Blood Orange Boulevardier, blending rich rye flavors with vibrant blood orange and herbal complexity. A cinematic portrayal of refined taste and artisanal cocktail-making.
Anton Bauer | No Compromise Branded Film | Cinematic & Inspiring
Filmed across the dramatic landscapes of Lofoten, Norway, the harsh deserts, and an expansive set in Los Angeles, No Compromise celebrates Anton/Bauer’s unwavering dedication to powering filmmakers worldwide. Through the passionate journeys of three filmmakers, this visually captivating film emphasizes the relentless pursuit of perfection—where no conditions are too extreme, and no compromise is acceptable.
Tito's Handmade Vodka
Studio commerical for Tito’s Handmade Vodka
JanSport | Built for Life
A short commercial celebrating JanSport’s heritage and highlighting the lasting durability of their classic backpacks. This spot visually emphasizes the brand’s lifetime warranty, capturing authentic moments of adventure and everyday reliability.
Amazon Music "Before You Go On" ft. Noah Cyrus
Following Noah Cyrus in the moments leading up to her performance, this intimate film captures the vulnerability and anticipation backstage. Created as part of Amazon Music’s Before You Go On series, the piece offers an emotional glimpse into the thoughts and rituals artists experience seconds before stepping into the spotlight.
Dame | "Pleasure"Branded Film | Bold & Introspective
Created for Dame, this short explores the concept of pleasure through a modern, intimate lens. Blending striking visuals with personal reflections, the piece invites viewers to consider pleasure as a form of empowerment—emotional, physical, and deeply human. A bold and nuanced approach to storytelling that aligns with Dame’s mission of destigmatizing self-expression.
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. .
818 Tequila x Chamberlain Coffee "Espresso Martini"
Camera / Ronin operator and Post Producer for Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequilla Brand partnered with Emma Chamberlain’s Chamberlain Coffee for National Espresso Martini Day.
Comcast Spectator "The New Wells Fargo Center" | Broadcast Commercial
As the director of a specialized ad campaign for Comcast Spectacor, my goal was to create a compelling narrative and broadcast commercial for the Wells Fargo Center, establishing it as a vibrant cornerstone of Philadelphia. This campaign showcases the arena’s recent $400M transformation, highlighting its evolution into a state-of-the-art destination for sports and entertainment.
Tito's Handmade Vodka
Studio commerical for Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Tito's Handmade Vodka x PGA Tour Branded Content | Sports & Lifestyle
Created in collaboration with Tito’s Handmade Vodka and the PGA Tour, this piece captures the energy, camaraderie, and vibrant atmosphere of a day on the greens. With a focus on authentic moments and premium visuals, this project showcases my ability to seamlessly blend lifestyle storytelling with branded content.
Tork "The Paper Towel Plea"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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