Major Principle: Film Programming and Marketing

“Michael is a life-changing publisher/director/producer who has great expectations and provides ongoing support and opportunity to all the people he comes in contact to and identifies as authors, friends, and/or filmmakers. He is an extraordinary human being who is always humming with ideas and sharing them with people in ways that enrich their lives and send them off in unexpected directions. Working with Michael and his right-hand man editor Ken Lee has been one of the best professional relationships that I've experienced. If you have a chance to take one of his seminars or be part of his circle in any way, drop everything and do it.” September 6, 2009

Gael Chandler , Author: Cut by Cut: How to Edit Your Film or Video , Michael Wiese Productions (Publisher)

Gael Chandler
JoyOfFilmEditing.com

“From an author’s perspective, working with Michael and his wonderful team at MWP is a pleasure from beginning to end. Clear communication, unwavering support and deep commitment to creating quality books in a field which he knows and loves are key qualities which Michael brings to the table. In a professional relationship which goes back to 2004, I have found Michael and Ken Lee to be patient, consistent and willing to work in detail with authors towards producing books about which everyone involved can feel proud. Ellen Besen, author Animation Unleashed, Michael Wiese Productions”

Ellen Besen , Owner, The Zachary Schwartz Institute for Animation Filmmaking



Ellen Besen

“Michael is that rare media professional who is driven by a vision bigger than himself; an artist and businessman who is willing to take risks to create something fresh and meaningful or support those who are; someone who cares not just about the project but the people involved and the people who will be touched by the work. It has been my honor and pleasure to work with him and I can't recommend him enough!”

Derek Rydall , Owner, ScriptwriterCentral.com

Derek Rydall
DerekRydall.com

“Michael is a wealth of knowledge, insight and inspiration. I have worked with him as a publisher (of my books) as a director (I was consultant and co-producer) as writer (he has written novels, screenplays and some amazing books on filmmaking) and as a student (when I was teaching). No matter Michael's role, or mine, Michael has always led me to a greater understanding of the filmmaking process. His insights are amazing, his knowledge is deep and valuable and his passion and persistence always inspire the rest of us to overcome the constant flow of obstacles. I highly recommend Michael as a participant and ally in any project.”

Mark W Travis , Creative Consultant

Mark W Travis
MarkWTravis.com

“Michael is a great documentary film maker!”

Alan O'Hashi , Festival Director, Boulder Asian Film Festival

Alan O'Hashi
Alanhashi.com

“I've known and worked with Michael for over 25 years, both at Vestron Video and on independent projects as well. Michael's love for his craft has allowed him to excel in everything he does. Whether it is making movies or writing books, Michael's extraordinary creativity and desire to teach emerges. It has always be a pleasure professionally and personally to work with him.”

Janice Whiffen , National Sales Director, Vestron Video

Janice Whiffen

“As Director of Eastman Kodak's Worldwide Student Filmmaker Program, I had the pleasure of working with Michael for several years presenting workshops for student filmmakers at the International Cannes Film Festival. Kodak sponsored student interns (over a hundred) working in The American Pavilion during the Cannes film festival---these interns were students interested in production and the motion picture business from dozens of the top film schools in the US and Canada, and around the world. For several years in the early 2000s, Michael presented a full day workshop to these interns which dealt with independent film production, financing, development, and marketing and distribution. Of all the great things that happened to these students while at Cannes, Michael's seminar was always a distinct highlight of their experience. He is a natural presenter who knows the nuances of the entire spectrum of independent production from a true insider's perspective. He was spontaneous and creative with the students, and very skilled at involving them with Q&A and other activity. His development tutorials are still being talked about by those who were there. The students always gave him high marks, he delivered on Kodak's goals to promote film and understanding of the business, and it was a delight working with such an accomplished professional.”

John Mason, Director of Eastman Kodak’s Worldwide Student Filmmaker Program

John Mason
FilmBigIsland.com

“Michael is a top quality film and video professional, equally expert in tapping new trends in the fast evolving marketplace and in connecting effectively with the consumer. I value his skills as a producer and a collaborator and look forward to working with him again.”

Nora Ryan , SVP, Marketing , Showtime Networks

Nora Ryan

“I was an avid consumer of Michael's books on the media business; so, it was a great pleasure, and honor to work with him on the PBS Home Video label at Pacific Arts. As an industry expert and former acquisitions executive at a respected home entertainment company, Michael provided great insight for identifying marketable product, and negotiating the licenses for distribution. Titles such as "The Astronomers," "Eyes on the Prize" and "Masterpiece Theatre" were tentpole releases in the early days of PBS Home Video. His efforts were key to establishing the success the label enjoys today. I am happy (and not at all surprised) to see he has achieved much success in his multi-faceted career.”

Greg Boegner , Director, Acquisitions , Pacific Arts & PBS Home Video

Greg Boegner

“Michael helped us quite a lot in the early years of PBS Home Video. Although it seems obvious now, at the time few people purchased, rather than rented, videos. Michael's imagination, creativity and wise counsel helped us design several of our cornerstone releases and to help build a brand-new market.”

Al Cattabiani, President PBS Home Video

Al Cattabiani
IThentic.com

"The first step in the difficult journey of filmmaking and screenwriting is knowledge of the craft and industry. The books from Michael Wiese Productions will start you in the right direction and serve as reliable reference points on your path to success."
Shelly Mellott, Script Magazine

Shelly Mellott
FinalDraft.com