[3] After relocating to Los Angeles, Messerschmidt served as a gaffer on TV series such as Bones, Everybody Hates Chris, and Mad Men.

Messerschmidt had a working relationship with cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth, who recommended him to director David Fincher.

Fincher hired Messerschmidt as a gaffer on Gone Girl and, later, as director of photography for most episodes of Mindhunter and Mank.

[4][5][6] With Mindhunter, Messerschmidt explained that the color palette, "has a desaturated green-yellow look... [it] helps give the show its period feel".

He stated the effect is achieved through production design, costumes and filming locations—not necessarily through lighting used on set.