Cory: I am a video production professional that’s passionate about telling compelling stories for local businesses and non-profits. I grew up in Northern Michigan, graduating from Interlochen Arts Academy from their Motion Picture Arts Program (currently called Film and New Media). When I’m not behind the camera or editing at my computer, you can find me playing golf or paddling down the Boardman.
Mitchell: I am a photographer and video production professional. I grew up in the Traverse City area and worked at a local studio throughout high school. After attending photo school at Hallmark Institute of Photography, I spent the next 10 years in NYC honing my craft working with amazing commercial and editorial clients.
Q: Please tell us about yourself.
Cory: I am a video production professional that’s passionate about telling compelling stories for local businesses and non-profits. I grew up in Northern Michigan, graduating from Interlochen Arts Academy from their Motion Picture Arts Program (currently called Film and New Media). When I’m not behind the camera or editing at my computer, you can find me playing golf or paddling down the Boardman. Mitchell: I am a photographer and video production professional. I grew up in the Traverse City area and worked at a local studio throughout high school. After attending photo school at Hallmark Institute of Photography, I spent the next 10 years in NYC honing my craft working with amazing commercial and editorial clients.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Cory: I co-founded Twinlight Productions in 2021 with my twin brother, Mitchell. In 2022 we completed our studio space that features a 17’ x 20’ corner cove cyclorama wall, lighting grid, and sound recording room. We really wanted to bring a top-notch production space to Northern Michigan. Our goal is to support local businesses by helping to build their brands through dynamic visual stories. Mitchell: While in NYC my career mostly consisted of cosmetic, fashion, beauty, and product photography. Being back in Michigan I have begun focusing more of my work on product, corporate, and business photography.
Q: What is your favorite book?
Cory: I’m an avid reader, so it’s hard for me to pick a single favorite. I would say “All the Pretty Horses” by Cormac McCarthy, “Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoevsky, or “Of Human Bondage” by W. Somerset Maugham. Mitchell: I’m a big fan of Henry Miller’s “Tropic of Cancer”, and John Fante “Ask the Dust”.
Q: What are some of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Cory: There are so many amazing restaurants to choose from in our community. If I’m going casual, it’s Seven Monks – I love their smash burgers. For a special occasion, Red Ginger has fantastic sushi! Mitchell: Pepe Nero, Amical (especially their cookbook series dinner menu), and for lunch, Cousin Jenny’s pasties.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? What brought you to Grand Traverse County?
We grew up in Grand Traverse County, moved to NYC for college in 2011 and ended up staying in the city for over a decade. When the pandemic hit, it just felt like the right time to get out of New York. We took the opportunity to open a video and photo production studio here in Traverse City and never looked back. Now we get to focus on building our business, spending more time with family, and enjoying the great outdoors.
Q: What advice would you give to people who want to visit our community?
Cory: My advice would be to get out and experience everything that Traverse City has to offer. From the great restaurants and wineries, to the lakes and beaches, there’s always something to do in our beautiful slice of Northern Michigan. Mitchell: Take the time to become active with the wonderful and bustling arts community that Traverse City has to offer.
Q: If you could choose anyone today with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you all meet?
Cory: The Coen brothers! I think they’re amazing filmmakers and I can relate to their partnership and what it’s like to have a creative partner in your brother. I would probably take them to Seven Monks for a burger and a local craft beer. Mitchell: Patrick Demarchelier. I would love to take him downtown and pick his brain about photography.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Cory: I love that we get to experience the beauty of all four seasons and the oceans of fresh water for us to explore right in our backyard. Mitchell: I appreciate the unique blend of metropolitan and outdoor lifestyles that the region has to offer.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
We both played in a band! Mitchell on guitar and Cory on drums!
Q: Which yearly event in Grand Traverse County do you enjoy best?
Cory: Dunesville in Interlochen is a blast! It’s a small music festival with camping and great vibes. Porchfest is a lot of fun too! Mitchell: You can’t go wrong with the Cherry Festival and the summer concert series at Interlochen Center for the Arts.
Q: What is your favorite season in Northern Michigan? And what is your favorite activity to do in that season?
Cory: Any season that I can play golf! That’s usually spring – fall, but this season there were some courses that were open through December! Mitchell: Summer has to be my favorite. I spend quite a bit of time at local golf courses.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Cory: Warmth, comfort, and relaxation. Mitchell: Life, peace, and growth.
