Michael Fels

Education

Equipment

My Equipment/Kit:

I can use:

About me

Michael Fels
Email- removed
IG:@MichaelFelsFilmmaker
Website: www.MichaelFelsFilmmaker.com

I have been working for Fourteen years in the New York film industry since graduating with a (BFA) Bachelor’s in Fine Arts in Film & Video in 2009 from Five Towns College. I have been working on Independent Feature Films, Independent Short Films, Music Videos, Reality TV, TV Pilots, Commercials, (NYU) New York University Graduate and undergraduate Films, (SVA) School of Visual Arts Graduate Films, & (NYFA) New York Film Academy Short Films, an HBO TV Show “Crashing” & several TV Pilots. My formal training & many on set experiences have given me a thorough understanding of the Film and Media Industry. I have worked on films that have been accepted to prestigious film festivals such as Sundance & The Cannes International Film Festival & that have won countless other film festivals. I have worked on features that are viewable on Amazon Prime. I have worked with 35MM, 16MM film stock (SR3 & SR2) & HD cameras (Alexa, Red Dragon, Red Epic, Red Scarlett, Cannon 7d, Cannon 5d, C300, Sony F5, Etc.) & also have training in television production. I have trained in many departments. My career, specialty, & passion are in the Producing, Directing, and Casting Departments. I have been working since 2022 as Production Manager at 10x10 Studios. I was on the media team for the sensual bachata dance company “Sensual Movement” for a year and am savvy with commercial reels/stories and marketing. I can not only pitch an idea I can bring it to life. To ensure a project is successful, I excel at preproduction. I create detailed budgets and work with heads of others departments to make sure the budget is followed. I manage the crew/talent, create detailed schedules, call sheets, contact sheets, shooting schedules, interview potential staff, negotiate contracts, manage the hiring process, raise/manage funds, and can get the project SAG-AFTRA approval. I use Movie Magic Scheduling, Movie Magic Budgeting, Microsoft Word/Microsoft Excel, and Google Docs/Google Sheets as needed. I effectively work with rental houses and insurance companies. I run all aspects of the production phase efficiently to achieve quality content. I specialized in the Grip & Electric Department (the lighting of the film) and use that knowledge to make realistic schedules, budgets, gear estimates/suggestions, and to create artistic, standard, and efficient lighting set ups. I am the perfect “Swiss Army knife” for any production. As a Casting Director, I bring the client’s character description into reality through detailed screenings of actor’s reels/resumes as well as follow up interviews & auditions with select Actors/Models. All of these experiences have strengthened my management and communication skills. I am also experienced working in the locations department and strive to create a positive environment that works for production and the location owner. Once on a project, I am one hundred percent dedicated to ensuring a top quality product on time & within the budget. Due to my expertise in multiple fields, I can guide clients/independently manage cast/crew along from preproduction to post production when needed. I am a highly organized, reliable, energetic team player and self-starter who works well under pressure in the field and in the office. I always make sure that safety & communication are top priority. I can drive my personal car in as needed and live in Mt. Vernon, New York. I also have done PA work for “Nitrous” and “10x10 Studios” (unlisted).
I also have the following certificates: “Returning to work during Covid-19:Safe Work Practices” from the Red Cross, “Covid-19 Compliance Officer (19C0)-Training” from Health Education Services, “Covid-19 Awareness” training from 360 training, “Emerging respiratory viruses, including Covid-19:Methods for detection, prevention, response, and control” from the “World Health Organization”, “OSHA 10 hour construction Safety Course” from OSHA. I have a passport. I am fully vaccinated including my boosters.

Seventy-five plus of my credits are also available on IMDB. Please visit my website to see my reel, full resume, bio, and to learn more about my past work. I have a valid driver’s license and can lift over 50lbs and can transport people/gear. I have the people skills to work with clients, customers, assistant management, and manage as needed and can deal with the public, investors, and third parties on behalf of the company as well.

License & Passport

Skills

Secondary Job Title	Producer
Job Titles	Writer, Director, Producer, Line Producer, 1st AD (Assistant Director), 2nd AD (Assistant Director), Gaffer / Lighting Director, Key Grip, Casting Director, Electrician
Years in industry	6+ years