(Michael Simmonds has quickly become one of independent cinema’s most sought after cinematographers, based on his work on such films as Man Push Cart, Chop Shop, The Order of Myths, and Goodbye Solo.)

Why Mike Simmonds is someone I love to work with:
He loves movies — not just the ones he makes.
He sees a greater variety of movies in movie theaters than absolutely anyone else I know.
He likes what he likes and is not informed by the opinions of others.
He’s not afraid to go out on a limb about his taste.
He is not a snob — well, just about some things.
He works until the work is done and hasn’t learned to move slowly.
He has very good manners but not too good.
He’s a collaborative thinker and a problem solver.
He recognizes that his job is his vocation and performs it accordingly.
He still loves to learn new things.
He has a good sense of humor.
He works as hard as he plays, but doesn’t take work overly seriously.
He always knows great cheap restaurants.
He takes great vacations.
He’s always in love with his girl and he doesn’t leave her at home when he goes out.

— Anne Carey

(Anne Carey, together with partner Ted Hope, founded the New York based production company This is that. Specializing in unique content and innovative storytelling, This is that has produced 15 films in its five-year existence. Carey, who was honored as one of Variety’s Top Ten Producers to Watch in 2004, previously produced films and was head of development at Good Machine for nearly a decade.)

Tags: Anne Carey, Chop Shop, cinematography, Goodbye Solo, Man Push Cart, Michael Simmonds, People We Love, The Order of Myths, This is that