Throughout the 1990s, Mindel worked as a camera operator or Photographer on feature films directed by either Tony Scott or Ridley Scott, including Thelma & Louise and Crimson Tide. In 1997, Mindel was assigned as second unit Director of photography on Ridley Scott's G.I. Jane. This opened the door for Mindel to become Director of photography on Tony Scott's 1998 action-thriller, Enemy of the State.