Michael Dallatorre gives a raw, edgy, yet sophisticated feel to his cinematography that has branded him as one of the most promising new talents in film. Known in the industry as “Mike D,” this Nicaragua born director of photography has worked with musicians 50 Cent, Chris Brown and Ziggy Marley, actor turned director, Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville) NBA star turned producer, Rick Fox on his feature Hysteria, and actor Kenan Thompson (of Saturday Night Live.)
Mike D. arrived in the United States at the age of three and grew up in South Central Los Angeles. He decided to use the adversity of his environment to inspire and drive him towards excellence rather than defeat his dreams. Mike D was featured in the Oscar nominated documentary “Colors Straight Up” which followed his participation in the inner city performing arts group, Colors United. It was during the filming of the documentary that Mike was inspired to become a filmmaker. While still in high school he spent many weekends and late nights after school with his older friends in college helping them complete their thesis films. At just eighteen Mike D, was recognized for his talents and promising future with the Beating the Odds Award (presented by Marian Wright Edelman of the Children’s Defense Fund.) After graduating from Jordan High School in Watts, CA , Mike entered programs, Inner-City Filmmakers and went on to study film at Los Angeles Community College.