How Marine Veteran, Filmmaker Mike Matsui Used Outex to Push Creative Limits with Underwater Cinematography

For filmmakers, the pursuit of breathtaking visuals often collides with one harsh reality: protecting expensive gear in extreme environments. Cameras and lenses aren’t just tools—they’re investments. But when the creative vision calls for underwater shots, heavy rain, or harsh conditions, many directors find themselves asking the same question: Is it worth the risk?

For Mike Matsui, a Marine Corps veteran, police officer, father, and filmmaker from Northern California, that moment came during the production of a music video for Of Mice & Men, the internationally acclaimed metalcore band. His story shows how Outex camera housings can empower creators to dream bigger—without breaking their gear or their budget.

From Jackass-Inspired Skits to Professional Filmmaking

Mike’s passion for filmmaking began at age 11. Influenced by the Jackass and Viva La Bam era, he would borrow his grandmother’s bulky tape camera, rally his friends, and shoot stunts, skate videos, and comedy skits. By teaching himself editing software on YouTube, Mike laid the foundation for a career that would eventually merge technical skill with artistic storytelling.

After joining the Marine Corps in 2011, Mike put his filmmaking aside. But when he left the service in 2016, he returned to his creative roots. From real estate videos to weddings, commercials, and short films, he honed his directing and cinematography skills. Soon after, he found a natural niche in music videos, where storytelling meets energy, visuals, and emotion.

The Breakthrough: Directing Music Videos for Of Mice & Men

Mike’s first music video was for Cemetery Sun, a band signed to a Republic Records imprint label alongside artists like Lorde and Greta Van Fleet. That project opened doors. Soon, his work led him to Of Mice & Men, a band newly signed to Sony’s Century Media.

Mike landed a three-video deal with the group—an opportunity that tested his creativity and technical limits. The band gave him complete creative control, trusting him to shape their visuals.

For the third video, Troubled Water, Mike envisioned something bold: immersive underwater and rain sequences.

The Challenge: Protecting a Red Komodo with Anamorphic Lenses

Mike shoots with a Red Komodo cinema camera and anamorphic lenses—a combination that delivers cinematic images but also represents a serious investment. The idea of submerging that setup underwater or dousing it in a rain room was nerve-wracking.

He needed a professional camera housing that could:

• Protect against full submersion underwater and simulated rain storms

• Maintain optical performance for cinema-quality lenses

• Accommodate a Red Komodo with anamorphic glass

• Be affordable and portable, unlike bulky hard housings

That’s when he discovered Outex.

Outex in Action: Durable, Versatile, Reliable

Mike chose the Outex XL Waterproof Housing. Within an hour, he had learned how to set it up and secured his Red Komodo and anamorphic lens inside.

“My Red Komodo and anamorphic lenses fit perfectly. During the music video it was fully submerged under water and doused in a rain room. I was terrified of this new experience, but the shots look amazing and my gear is dry.”

The results speak for themselves. The music video for Troubled Water quickly became a fan favorite, and its immersive visuals wouldn’t have been possible without Outex.

🎥 Watch the final music video here:
👉 Of Mice & Men – Troubled Water

Why Outex is a Game-Changer for Filmmakers

Mike’s story highlights what makes Outex unique in the world of camera housings:

• Optical Performance – Outex maintains lens clarity and image quality, even for high-end cinema glass.

• Universal Fit – Works with DSLRs, mirrorless, and cinema cameras like the Red Komodo—plus a wide range of lenses.

• Versatility – Adaptable for underwater cinematography, rain FX, dust storms, mud, or snow.

• Portability – Lightweight and compact compared to bulky hard housings, making it ideal for travel and fast setups.

• Affordability – Professional-grade protection without the cost of custom housings.

For filmmakers balancing artistic ambition, technical needs, and budget constraints, Outex is a tool that unlocks creative freedom.

A Veteran’s Perspective on Courage and Creativity

As a Marine Corps veteran and police officer, Mike understands discipline, risk, and responsibility. Yet in filmmaking, Outex gave him something unexpected: the courage to take creative risks.

“Outex’s waterproof housing helped elevate the immersion of the fan perspective, and I can’t thank Outex enough for building a budget-friendly, reliable method of proofing your camera.”

With Outex, Mike pushed past the fear of equipment failure and fully embraced his vision—delivering a project that resonated with fans and elevated his career.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a filmmaker, photographer, or content creator, the choice is the same: play it safe with your gear, or push boundaries and capture the shots that inspire audiences.

Outex makes it possible to do both.

Mike Matsui’s journey—from Marine veteran to police officer to film director—shows that resilience and creativity thrive when the right tools are in hand. For him, Outex wasn’t just a housing. It was a gateway to new levels of storytelling.