After the Corps: Russell Midori

Compiled by Amy Forsythe

Russell Midori took his experience in the Marines to the next level with several overseas assignments reporting for the New York Times, HBO’s acclaimed news documentary program VICE, WarIsBoring.com and now with CBS News’ “On Assignment.” He earned dual Master of Science degrees in Documentary Production and Investigative Journalism from the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University.

Russell Midori

Russell Midori, 32, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Served in the Marines: 2008 to 2012 (active and reserves)
Last rank: Sergeant
MOS: 4341
Duty stations: Parris Island, S.C. and Stuttgart, Germany at Marine Forces Europe and Africa
Awards: 2nd Place Merit Award Pictorial Photo in 2010
Education: B.S. in Broadcast Journalism from Brooklyn College and double M.S. in Journalism and Documentary Production from Columbia University
Current position: Field Producer/Cinematographer/Editor for CBS “On Assignment”
Past: Researcher/Camera Operator VICE HBO and Metro news stringer for the New York Times

How did serving as a Marine help you define your professional goals?
I enlisted after I defined my long term professional goals. I wanted to be a journalist before I wanted to be a Marine.

What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?
Producing documentaries and teaching at the Defense Information School (DINFOS)

What are your hobbies? Please list a few things you like to do outside of work?
Amateur Pool Tournaments – I have played pool in 19 countries, 29 U.S. states and two U.S. territories.

What advice do you have for Marines who are getting out and looking to get into the media industry?
Become proficient at every medium, but master something. Only work in media if you really love it, because you will have to make sacrifices. Save your money. Find someone in your area whose work you admire, contact him or her and have a conversation in person. Don’t be too proud to start at the bottom, but don’t get complacent and end up staying. Do thorough work under budget and ahead of schedule. Under promise and over-deliver. Treat everyone in your field as if you might see them again one day at a job interview, because you might. Media is a small world and anonymity is in short supply, so be mindful of your reputation on and off the clock. Compliment your colleagues behind their backs. Teach your peers everything you know and ask them to teach you what you don’t. Don’t be scared of doing something you’ve never done, just watch the tutorial on YouTube first!

Learn more: www.russellmidori.com and look out for ‘On Assignment’ on CBS in 2018, and check their website out for full episodes: https://www.cbsnews.com/cbsn-on-assignment/