International human development expert focused on maximizing creatives' and entrepreneurs' personal and professional goals. International transmedia writer, producer, and consultant.
Michael is a transmedia creative, forward-thinking media & entertainment industry executive, consultant, and Executive Director with 25+ years of experience coupled with expertise in analyzing, recommending, and implementing business structures and programs that elevate and revitalize business operations. He has a track record of leadership, global management consulting, television series/limited series, motion pictures, new media, and theatre production, writing, and managing high-profile entertainment programs. He has a deep understanding of the media & entertainment industry landscape and is familiar with key challenges facing the industry. He is skilled at performing strategic analyses of business operations and provides in-depth recommendations for organizational change, process transformation, and digital operating models.
As a coach to thousands of creative entrepreneurs - in one-on-one, small groups, and large groups settings, Michael has coached screenwriters, producers, playwrights, actors, directors, novelists, as well as artists by supporting their growth and development in their creative and business domains. He has designed, facilitated, and produced transformative training and development programs, and workforce development programs in the U.S. and abroad. He utilizes his own curriculum and methodology to which he has owned a copyright since 1997.
As an organizational consultant, Michael has experience as an acting CEO/COO and has consulted for 5 of the top 6 entertainment companies to develop organizational direction, skills analysis, HR strategies, performance management, cultural change assessment, service transformation, and operational changes. He understands the impact of new and emerging digital technologies on consumer experience. Through best practice principles, thought leadership, methodologies, and solutions, Michael articulates client recommendations and drives the implementation process.
As a producer and executive producer of fiction and non-fiction visual content, Michael has produced content across platforms, including the motion picture "Six Days, Seven Nights," several series, such as the nine-episode limited series for Logo titled "DTLA," and premium online content such as the six hours YouTube Livestream "Tell A Friend, Get Covered" (CoveredCA and Ogilvy's The Impact Studios), "The X Factor Pepsi Preshow Live," YouTube's "Sketchies," "Living Legends." He produced Shonda Rhimes' directorial debut - an award-winning short titled "Blossoms & Veils." In the theme park, aquariums, museum, and science center space, Michael has executive produced content globally, including experiences in China, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and Japan.
As a publisher, Michael worked with Sega, Coamix, Hakuhodo, and Toppan Printing of Japan to launch a manga and anime company in the U.S. named Gutsoon! Entertainment. There he published 67 graphic novels and 36 issues of a monthly manga magazine, secured national distribution, produced experiential marketing campaigns across the U.S. including Comic-Con and WonderCon. He also secured offers on two properties for motion picture adaptations at New Line Cinema.
As a writer, Michael began his writing career as a journalist at The Connecticut Post's precursor - The Bridgeport Post, and has also written for Produced By, As a screenwriter, Michael has written for the television series "DTLA," and the limited series "Jack Hunter."He is developing the half-hour pilot titled “Willing & Abel," and a motion picture drama titled "Again."He is often hired to rewrite material for producers based on budgetary requirements/constraints.
As a producer of national and international live, cause-related events, Michael produced "Circle Up Now," a worldwide Amnesty International experiential program to celebrate the UN's 60th. Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He has also been involved in projects such as “Hands Across America, We Are The World, and "Millennium Live." He helps create visceral experiences
Career Timeline
BA, Annenberg School of Communications, School of , University of Southern California
Executive Training Program, Kellogg Innovation Ins, Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management
Ontology, Landmark Education
Journalist, Connecticut Post
♦ Covered the high school experience, including major and minor events, both in writing and video, at Bullard-Havens RVTS
Senior Resident Advisor, Resident Advisor, University of Southern California, Office of Residential Life
♦ Managed students services, and took care of the programming, safety, social, educational and civic experience of USC students living in Touton Residence Hall, and Century Apartments.
♦ Aided students with financial assistance programs and executed large scale University wide programs associated with these two complexes. Co-managed a staff of Resident Advisors.
Management Trainee, International Film Promotions
♦ Identified branding opportunities and recommended product placements, post film/TV project review
Coordinator, Davidson Conference Center, University of Southern California
♦ Coordinated physical production of events for the facility and ensured all necessary equipment and supplies were available for the show
Management Trainee, Fox Broadcasting Company
♦ Gained familiarity with all aspects of the Programming Department, News Department, Community Outreach Department, and Promotions Department
♦ Participated in the launch of Fox Broadcasting Company's first slate of content
♦ Performed all administrative tasks to ensure smooth and efficient operations, prepared & distributed weekly company status reports, development reports, script tracking reports.
♦ Networked with industry piers for pertinents information that affected the company's ability to acquire, develop, sell, and produce content on behalf of the Executive VP of Production
Production Executive, Open City Entertainment
♦ Piloted the launch of the production company and created development slate for indie, Canadian firm
♦ Performed administrative tasks, managed a high volume of calls from major agencies and management firms
♦ Composed development reports, production reports, and development notes for all company projets and acquisitions
♦ Provided leadership and key support for production and development teams, networked with agents and managers, discerned the needs of buyers in order to fulfill on their development and production mandates
♦ Supervised the development slate for feature film, television, and new media properties
Vice President, Production, Warner Brothers - La Luna Films
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP – ACHIEVEMENTS & RESPONSIBILITIES ♦ Supervised the acquisition, development, and production of feature film, television, and new media slate
♦ Managed and assessed the market place and sought material to fit the needs of acquisition partners
♦ Assisted the production management on films to problem solve day-to-day challenges
♦ Monitored and guided activities of personnel and interns
Senior Vice President, Twentieth Century Fox - Summers Entertainment
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP – ACHIEVEMENTS & RESPONSIBILITIES ♦ Managed and supervised the development, acquisition, and production slate of the company
♦ Maintained accountability for securing new projects
Owner, Palmieri Media Group
Worked on such film projects as "Six Days/Seven Nights," "Blossoms & Veils," television project "Millennium Live!" Rendered services as a script consultant on several feature films and television projects.
Vice Chair, New Media Council, Producers Guild of America
As Vice Chair of the Producers Guild of America, New Media Council, I worked with Founder and Chair Marc A Levey, fellow Vice Chair Kevin Foxe, and 21 other Board members to provide educational, professional, and networking opportunities to Digital producers in Digital Animation, Broadband, DVD, Games, Interactive Television, Mobile, and Visual Effects.
Executive Vice President, Gutsoon! Entertainment
TRANSMEDIA & MARKETING LEADERSHIP ♦ Oversaw and managed a staff of 10 employees at LA, and monitored the publishing of 50 issues regarding a monthly magazine and 67 graphic novels
♦ Pioneered successful launch of a manga portal, and produced experiential marketing campaigns throughout the country including Comic-Con
♦ Identified properties to license for motion picture and television content
Chair and Vice President, New Media Council, Producers Guild of America
I had the pleasure of working with 23 Board members in Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco. In my position, I led the New Media Council in increasing membership by 300%, restructured the organization to better serve our membership, composed of Digital Animation, Broadband, DVD, Games, Interactive Television, Mobile, and Visual Effects Co-Producers, Producers, and Executive Producers. Created strategic relationships with MySpace, and The Hollywood Reporter, and brokered sponsorship monies to fund the organization's operations. We produced over 50 events creating networking, educational and industry opportunities for all Guild members. I authored articles for the Produced By magazine, and The Networker, and launched Wired, an internal newsletter for new media producers. In order to empower new Board members, I created a manual to educate them about the PGA structure, history, and requirements for successfully representing the membership. Last, our Board created definitions for Executive Producer, Producer, Co-Producer and Associate Producer in each one of our categories - helping to set the global standard for each one of our platforms.
Director, Screenwriting Program, Hawaii Writers Conference
PROGRAM LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT ♦ Conceptualized, designed, developed, and implemented the Screenwriting program (educational program), to identify and enhance the talent of screenwriters, while creating screen writing groups
♦ Launched several individual and group coaching sessions for screenwriters, and conducted seminars & keynote speaking sessions dealing with both the creative and business aspects of writing
♦ Sought the services of keynote speakers such as Academy Award winning writers Bobby Moresco, Diana Ossana, and Michael Arndt
President, Dreams for Kids Foundation, Dreams for Kids
ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ♦ Leveraged forward thinking skills, and restructured the organization to position for potential improvements
♦ Administered strategies to create and build the foundation, along with five industry experts/professionals
Founding Board Member, New Media Council, Producers Guild of America
MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT LEADERSHIP – START-UP OPERATIONS ♦ Successfully created a third Council within the Guild through joint efforts with 24 entertainment industry professionals, while simultaneously serving as a member of the Producers Guild of America, New Media Committee
♦ Chaired the Television Specialty & Digital Series Committee at Producers Guild of America from June 2012 to May 2014 – Worked in close coordination with (5) PGA colleagues to determine eligibility of content for this award category in anticipation for the Producers Guild of America Awards
♦ Chaired the New Media Council for (2) years (June 2006 - May 2008) as the Vice President
♦ Jointly leveraged services for the council through close collaboration with 23 Board members in Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco
♦ Led organizational development & structuring, and educated Board Members through creation of a manual with regards to the PGA’s structure, vision, and history; as well as Board Member accountabilities, while significantly enhancing memberships by over 300%
♦ Orchestrated over 50 events to mobilize networks among industry leaders and partners in order to increase visibility, educational opportunities, networking opportunities, and enrollment
♦ Successfully closed deals with MySpace, The Hollywood Reporter, and brokered sponsorship money to fund organizational operations
♦ Set global standards for the new media council, through creating definitions for the positions of Executive Producer, Producer, Co-Producer, and Associate Producer across multiple platforms
♦ Functioned as the Vice Chair of the New Media Council at Producers Guild of America from June 2001 - May 2003 working alongside Founder and Chair Marc A Levey, fellow Vice Chair Kevin Foxe, and 21 other Board members
♦ Provided educational, professional, and networking opportunities for Digital producers in Digital Animation, Broadband, DVD, Games, Interactive Television, Mobile, and Visual Effects
Chair, Television Specialty & Digital Series Commi, Producers Guild of America
Chairing the Committee and working with five PGA colleagues to determine the eligibility of content for this award category in anticipation for the Producers Guild of America Awards.
Board of Directors - Lambda LGBT Alumni Associatio, University of Southern California
For 20 years, the USC Lambda LGBT Alumni Association has been connecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied Trojans to each other and the university via professional, social and service opportunities. The organization, and its board of directors, foster the current and next generation of alumni, as well as has awarded more than $400,000 to USC students committed to LGBT issues.
Executive Director, Creative Lab - Hawaii, State of Hawaii in association with Hawaii International Film Festival - Founders
MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Connect • Collaborate • Create.
♦ Provide executive-level leadership to the creative industries division founded through the Hawaii International Film Festival and the State of Hawaii CID/DBEDT collaboration
♦ Perform a critical role in conceptualizing, designing, implementing, managing, leading, and assessing 3-7 day immersive economic development programs from inception to completion. Implement a one-year coaching program for each module.
♦ Seek and promote media and entertainment related creativity and entrepreneurial spirit from around the world, and impart high quality immersive programs taught by professionals in the fields of: writing, directing, producing, acting, music, fashion and technology
♦ Oversee operations managing 30-60 individuals and direct creative media entrepreneurs through professional assistance by the team, in areas pertaining to content development, financing, production, marketing and distribution
♦ Sought talented individuals globally, while managing the creative hub and promoting the State of Hawaii Growth Initiative
♦ Collaborate with organizations and form partnerships to provide training and development to staff members
IDA Documentary Awards - Jurist, International Documentary Association
Reviewed and recommended choices for the 2013 IDA Documentary Awards. Founded in 1982, the International Documentary Association (IDA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that promotes nonfiction filmmakers, and is dedicated to increasing public awareness for the documentary genre. Our major program areas are: Advocacy, Filmmaker Services, Education, and Public Programs and Events. Documentary storytelling expands our understanding of shared human experience, fostering an informed, compassionate, and connected world. The International Documentary Association (IDA) is dedicated to building and serving the needs of a thriving documentary culture. Through its programs, IDA provides resources, creates community, and defends rights and freedoms for documentary artists, activists, and journalists.
