Sands of Fate

Born and raised in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area, Nick Mahar discovered his love for storytelling through the lens of a camera at the tender age of six. His early years were spent recreating Nickelodeon shows in his garage, an obsession that laid the foundation for his future in filmmaking. By high school, he was already making his mark by running his school’s video bulletin.

Nick’s early immersion in diverse artistic expressions shaped his unique perspective, infusing his work with a distinct flair. His professional journey in cinematography took off in the music industry, where he first gained recognition working with renowned artists including Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and rapper Logic on multiple studio albums.

In 2016, Nick shifted his focus from global tours to the narrative and commercial realms, where his true passion lay. His commercial projects have since captivated millions, showcasing his talent for some of the world’s most prestigious brands. His narrative work flourished through a fruitful collaboration with director Tim Martin. Their film, Birth of a Monster: A Star Wars Story, amassed over 3.4 million views and earned accolades from Lucasfilm, prompting another creative partnership.

Their latest venture, Sands of Fate, tells the gripping tale of Tiro, an ex-Imperial Commando who must resurrect the warrior within while living as a recluse in the Outer Rim port of Anchorhead. This passion project saw dozens of artists contributing their skills and time, beginning production during the early days of COVID-19. The pandemic provided a unique opportunity to meticulously perfect the film’s design, resulting in a visually stunning and emotionally compelling piece.

Nick’s dual role as director of photography and postproduction lead allowed him to collaborate closely with every department, ensuring a cohesive and polished final product. Reflecting on the project, Nick remarked, “When you show people screen grabs or rough scores and they ask which Star Wars movie or show it’s from, you know you did something right.”

He’s a proud member of Local 600 and an ASC Vision Mentee for 2023-2024 under the guidance of Gregory Middleton, ASC, CSC. Nick Mahar’s journey from a child with a camera to a celebrated cinematographer exemplifies the power of passion and dedication, solidifying his place as a storyteller.

Nick attributes his relentless drive and creativity to the unwavering support of his wife Gillian, their twins Brooklyn and Mackenzie, and his extended family.