Nathan Mack is a cinematographer and editor whose list of collaborators is as long as it is impressive.
He’s worked with local pop-punk band Sundown Superhero as the cinematographer, director and editor of their “Midnight Knock” music video; Jaryd Niles-Morris and Dominique Henderson on ‘Film’ and Dance Experiment with Ghelisa Mayers; Adaeze and their production and talent management company, House of Dae, on too many projects to list, including Adaeze’s Dae + Nate Project – he’s the titular “Nate”; Machel Montano, including doing videography on his “So Good” music video; and Junior Sealy as one of the cinematographers for Fashion Week Brooklyn 2020 Style X Caribbean Fashion.
When/How did you realise that this is what you wanted to do with your life?
Growing up I was in love with cars and hooked on BBC’s Top Gear. I didn’t know what editing was at the time, but the way the show was creatively put together, I made sure I watched every single episode (until Jeremy Clarkson was fired; only real fans will understand).
After graduating [from the] Barbados Community College with my degree in Information Technology, I decided to try the BFA programme at the Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination and truly connected with my fire to create. At the time I was into music production as a hobby and a colleague gave me a camera to record his performance.
After uploading it to YouTube, I realized this was in essence how Top Gear was made and my love for technology and art combined through the filmmaking process. [I] decided to follow this newfound interest as my next career choice, eager to see where this journey might lead.
What has been your proudest moment thus far?
I cherish all moments equally because they’re all integral parts of my journey, but one of my highlight moments thus far would have to be my work on the music video “Patra” for Navy. We met in the height of the pandemic, when I felt like giving up on my career in film, and set out to create a body of work I am proud of given the circumstances we faced.
The song has gone on to become her second single, streaming over 1,000,000 streams and was selected by the Recording Academy to be a part of their Press Play At Home Series[.] [I] had to travel to her home island of Dominica to record that performance.
Who is the one creative, alive or dead, that you would love to work with?
I would risk it ALL for the opportunity to work with Rihanna! When I started seriously pursuing my career in film, I set a goal for myself to be the first Barbadian director to work with her. Chasing that dream has taken me to heights I had never once imagined and while I’m proud of all that I have accomplished thus far, I’m not giving up on that dream!
Although I haven’t gotten to work with Rihanna yet, when I look back on all the amazing opportunities I’ve been blessed with I’m truly humbled.
I’m honored to have worked with Britain’s Got Talent star Lettice Rowbotham, traveled to Haiti with the National Cultural Foundation as a lead cinematographer for Carifesta XII, produced Jus-Jay’s Red Bull 3 Style Submissions, collaborated with Grammy nominated singer Shontelle, toured with Machel Montano for 2 years and worked with Buju Banton for the Barbados leg of his comeback tour ‘Long Walk To Freedom; where I almost met Rihanna the night of the show but the universe had a different plan in motion. I’m not giving up yet!
What do you think makes you unique as an artist and creative?
What I think makes me unique is my perspective on people and the world. Coming from a small island like Barbados it’s easy to see the world one way, but I challenge myself to always have an open mind and, with my eager nature to learn paired with my quick wit and determination to never fail, I’ve discovered that I have a lot more to offer as I continue along this career path.
What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned in your career thus far?
The greatest lesson I have learned thus far is that talent isn’t all it takes to be a successful creative/artist. Talent is 2% of what you need and that’s being generous. What really counts is your disciplined work ethic, a positive attitude, clear and effective communication, being a good team player, being goal oriented, staying focused, continued reliability, and having true integrity. Talent may get you recognized but your ethic is what really makes you shine.
