Michael Fels Bio
Michael Fels has been working in the film industry for 14 years since graduating with a Bachelor’s in Film & Video in 2009 from Five Towns College. Michael has been working on Independent Feature Films, Independent Short Films, Music Videos, a HBO TV show, TV Pilots, Public Service Announcements, Commercials, (NYU) New York University Graduate Films, (SVA) School of Visual Arts Graduate Films, (NYFA) New York Film Academy Short Films, and several web series. Several Features Michael has worked on are on Amazon Prime. His formal training & many on set experiences have provided a thorough understanding of the Film Industry. Michael can help your production take the steps needed to get SAG-AFTRA approval and can put you in contact with various rental houses and insurance companies if needed. Michael can search for and hire the cast/crew for your next project.
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Michael offers services in various departments:
Producing Department: Producer, AP, Line Producer, Consulting Producer, PM
Directing Department: Director, 1st AD, 2nd AD
Casting Department: Casting Director
Lighting Department: Gaffer, Key Grip, Best Boy, G&E
Writing Department: original scripts, Script Doctoring, and Custom made original monologues for new actors.
IMDB page:
COLLEGE: FIVE TOWNS COLLEGE (2009)
DEGREE: (BFA) BACHELOR’S OF FINE ARTS IN FILM & VIDEO
Safety Certificates:
Osha 10 hour Construction Safety course (2020)
Mobile Elevation Work Platform Safety Course (2021)
World Health Organization: “Emerging respiratory viruses, including Covid-19:Methods for detection, prevention, response, and control” (2020)
Red Cross: “Returning to work during Covid-19:Safe Work Practices”. (2020)
Health Education Services: Covid-19 Compliance Officer (19C0)-Training” (2020)
OSHA’S 360 training: “Covid-19 Awareness” (2020)
Fully Vaccinated including all Boosters
Caterine Sanchez Fashion Commercial - Directed/Produced by Michael Fels
Lighting Department Reel of Michael Fels
Resume: Michael Fels
“10x10 Studios” Production Manager Production Company, March 2022- Present
“We’re Talking” - Producer, Director, Writer, D.P Short Film, 2023
“The Darkest Side of Me” - Producer, Director, D.P Short Film, 2023
“Generation: Loss ep1,2,3” - Actor (Streamer), Production Assistant Highlight: It went viral and was #1 trending in the world on Twitter
“Katrine Sanchez Fashion: Designs”-Director/Producer 1 minute Commercial, April 2023
“Katrine Sanchez Fashion: Strong and Soft”-Director/Producer 15 second Commercial, April 2023
“Katrine Sanchez Fashion: Fashion Event”-Director/Producer 15 second Commercial, April 2023
“Elevator”-Director/Writer Custom Made Original Monologue, March-April 2023
“Brunch Advice” - Director/Writer Custom Made Original Monologue, March-April 2023
“Resolution” - Director/ Writer Custom Made Original Monologue, March-April 2023
“Puma” - Production Coordinator/ Driver Commercial, October 2022
“Bronx Defenders”- “Production Manager” Commercial, September-October 2022
“I Love You Maria” – Associate Producer Feature Film, June-July 2022
“Endless Suffer” –Director, Producer Music Video, June 2022
“Academy of Mt. St. Ursula”- Production Coordinator Brand Commercial, June 2022
“Crypto Currency” – Production Coordinator Brand Commercial, May 2022
“Simon and Danila” – Director, Producer 2xDance Brand Commercials, May 2022
“10x10 Studios”- Production Coordinator Brand Commercial, April 2022
“10x10 Studios” - Production Coordinator, Actor VR Services Commercial, April 2022
“The Late Set” – Producer, Casting Assistant Short Film, March 2022
“To All The Girls I Loved Before”. – 1stAD Short Film, March 2022
“Flash Mob in Time Square”- Director, Camera Op Dance Brand Commercial, March 2022
“Flash Mob in NYC Subway”- Director, Camera Op Dance Brand Commercial, February, 2022
“Momento Maury” - Producer, Director Music Video, January 2022
“Sensual Movement Dance Company” - Producer, Director, Camera Commercial, January 2022
“Sensual Movement Dance Company” - Producer, Director, Camera Commercial, December 2021
“Katzman Photography” – Producer, Director, Casting Director Commercial October-November, 2021
“La Femme Dangereuse Lingerie” – Producer, Director, Casting Director 3xCommercials October-November, 2021
“Sensual Movement Dance Company” - Media Team November 2021-Aug 2021
“Fusion Belly Dance. NYC” - Director Dance Brand Commercial, November 2021
“Hey Nora”- Producer, Director Music Video, September, 2021
Link: https://youtu.be/qSIyGNR9TUA
“Game of Bachata” – Producer, Director, Casting Director Reality TV Pilot July- October, 2021
“AARP”- Production Coordinator Commercial (focused on veterans), 2021
“AARP”-Production Coordinator Commercial (focused on retired), 2021
“Hair Loss Doctor” – Producer, Assistant Camera Web Commercials, 10x10 studios September, 2021
“Where Were You?”-Producer, Director, Casting Director, Writer Short Film, June 2021
“Whatever It Takes” - Producer, Director, Casting Director, Writer Short Film, June 2021
“No Matter What” -Producer, Director, Casting Director, Writer Short Film, June 2021
“Who Was That?” - Producer, Director, Casting Director, Writer Short Film, June 2021
“Attachment Theory” -Producer, Director, Casting Director, Writer Short Film, June 2021
"A Sister’s Perspective”-Producer, Director, Casting Director, Writer Short Film, June 2021
“The Lucky Half”-Writer Short Film, June 2021
“Little Hearts” – ConsultingProducer Feature Film, June 2021
Medical Commercial - Covid Safety Officer Commercial, June 2021
Nitrous : Freelance Studio Manager/PA 2021-2022
“10x10 Studios”- Producer/Casting Director Commercial, 2021
“10X10 Studios”: Freelance Studio Manager 2021-March 2022
“Imposter Syndrome” -Director, Producer, Casting Director Short Film, 2021 Human Pincushion Productions
Link: https://youtu.be/4Om7GGhMG4w
“To Be The Best” - Director, Producer Short Film, 2021 Human Pincushion Productions Link: https://youtu.be/1AaD6v1ib2I
“10X10 Studios” - Producer/ 1st AD/ Casting Director Commercial, 2021, 10x10 Studios
“Lost” - Producer, Director Short Film, 2021 Human Pincushion Productions link:https://youtu.be/UFTclAFgg7E
“Sleep Paralysis” -Director, Producer, Casting Short Film, 2021 Human Pincushion Productions Link : https://youtu.be/84wP1DY1RQo
“Bronxcare Hospital ” Camera Op/Gaffer Corporate video, 2021, 10x10 Studios
“A Spoon of Honey” - Producer, 1st Assistant Director, Voice Actor Short Film, 2020
“Working In The Dark” - Production Manager Documentary, 2020, 10x10 Studios
“Covid-19 Safety” -Production Manager Corporate video, 2020, Bronx Care Health System
“Working In The Dark” –Production Manager Feature Documentary 2020 (Description : a business struggles during Covid-19
“Mayfield” –Casting Director/Co-Director Podcast, 2020
“GAF Project Flow Tool”– Location Manager Online commercial “Nitrous” production company, 2019
“Better Then My Last” – 1st Assistant Director, Casting Associate, Associate Producer, Background actor Feature Film, 2019
“Crisis Planner Home System” –Gaffer Commercial, 2019
“Full Throttle Paradise” –Producer, 1stAssistant Director Short Film, 2018
“Contributions”-Producer, 1stAssistant Director Short Film, 2018 (Durham Region International Film Festival, Deep Cut Film Festival, International Film Festival of Ottawa )
“Burn out” –Producer, Casting Director Music Video, 2018, Musician: “10 years”
“4 Halves Make A Whole” –Director 2017 Web series Ep 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
“Crashing” – Rigging Electric HBO TV SHOWseason 2 Ep 3
“Toby & Zee” -1stAssistant Director, Producer Short Film, 2017
“Previous” –1stAssistant Director, Associate Producer Short Film 2016
“Mookie” –Producer, 1stAssistant Director, Gaffer Short Film, 2016
“NYC The Movie” –Producer, 1stAssistant Director, Casting Director Short Film, 2016
“Romeo’s Distress” –Associate Producer, 1stAssistant Director, Gaffer Feature Film,2015
Macabre Film Festival 2017” (Amazon Prime)
“ Dot Com Mom” – Gaffer Bollywood Feature Film, 2015
“Shepard” – Associate Producer, 1stAssistant Director Short Film, 2015- 2016
Official Selection of the Golden Door International Film Festival
“Don’t Say these Words” – Producer, 1stAssistant Director, Casting Director Short Film, 2015
“Charles Haux” -Producer, Co-Director, Casting Director Short Film, 2015
“GoFish” – Producer, 1stAssistant Director, Casting Director, Script Editor Short Film, 2015
(San Francisco Black Film Festival)
“Take It Back” - Producer, Director, Casting Director, Writer Short Film, 2014-2015
“Stash”Associate Producer, 1stAssistant Director, Gaffer, Casting Director Feature Film,2014
“Dime Crimes #34” - Key grip Short Film, 2015
“Socks” - Gaffer Short Film, 2015
“Prohibition” - Gaffer Short Film, 2015
“Trafico”Producer, Gaffer, Casting Director, & Writer TV Pilot, 2013-2015
“The Rain” Gaffer Music Video, 2014 Musician: “Sadie”
“Sacha” Producer, 1stAssistant Director Short Film, 2014 (Sold to the Shorts Channel, Direct TV, Bronx Film Festival)
“Sander” Producer, 1stAssistant Director, Gaffer, Casting Director, & Writer Short Film, 2013
“Strawberry Fields”Producer, Gaffer, & Key Grip Short Film, 2013
“For Francis”Best Boy Electric Short Film, 2013
“An Evening With Donald Kempinski”Key Grip Feature, 2013-2014
“Pebble of Love In The Shoe Of My Life” Key Grip Feature, 2013
“Love & Stress”Producer, 1stAssistant Director, Gaffer, & Casting Director NYFA Short Film, 2013 (OHIO Film Festival 2014, Brooklyn Girl Film Festival 2015)
“No More” Producer, Casting Director, & Gaffer Short Film, 2013
“Intel Commercial” Grip TV Commercial, 2013
“Give It All To Me” Grip Music Video,2013 Musicians: Mavado and Nicky Minaj
“I’m Fine” Key Grip NYFA Short Film, 2013
“Opening Night” Gaffer NYFA Short Film, 2013
“Asockalypse” (B Unit) Key Grip Feature Film, 2013
“Birthday Crashers”Gaffer & Dolly Grip Short Film, 2013
“Sex, Fuzz, & Rock & Roll”Key Grip & Dolly Grip TV Pilot, 2013
“The First Time You See Me”Gaffer Music Video, 2013 Musician “Danielle & Jennifer”
“Reckless”Gaffer Short Film,2013
“Pudge Magazine” Gaffer & Key grip, NYFA Spec Commercial 2013 *
“Movement To Contact”Best Boy Grip, Best Boy Electric, & Dolly Grip, PSA, 2013 U.S. Military program
“Six”Best Boy Grip & Best Boy Electric, Short Film, 2013
“Screw Driver”Best Boy Grip & Electric Short Film,2013
“The Smut Locker”, Key Grip (NYU) New York University Thesis, 2013
“Calaveras” Key Grip (SVA)School of Visual Arts Grad Thesis, 2013
“El Cuco” Best Boy Electric (SVA)School of Visual Arts Grad Thesis, 2013
“Quiet On Set” Gaffer,Best BoyGrip & Best Boy Electric (SVA)School of Visual Arts Grad Thesis, 2013
“Black Parables” Gaffer Feature Film, 2011-2012
“Only in New York” Grip Feature Film, 2011-2012
“Phobia” Key Grip Feature Film, 2011
“Universal Lover” Grip & Electric Music Video, 2010 Musician “Raye Six”
“The Hunter & The Swan Discuss Their Meeting” Gaffer (Sundance Nominee) (NYU) New York University Graduate Thesis Film, 2010
“Gut” Key Grip Feature Film, 2009-2010
"So Over You" Grip/Electric (NYU) New York University Graduate Thesis Film, 2009-2010
"Her Seat Is Vacant" Grip & 2nd AC (NYU) New York University Graduate Thesis Film, 2009-2010
"Manhattan Melody" Best Boy Electric & Grip
(NYU) New York University Graduate Thesis Film, 2009-2010
"Ouroboros The Serpent That Eats Its Own Tail" Producer, Director, Casting Director, & Writer (FTC)Five Towns College Thesis Film, 2009
"A House Divided" 1stAssistant Director (FTC) Five Towns College Thesis Film, 2009
“Death Note” ExecutiveProducer, Director,Casting Director, & P. Designer (FTC) Five Town College Thesis Film, 2008
“Ghost Eye Tree” 2nd Assistant Director (FTC) Five Towns College Thesis Film, 2008
“Five Towns College” Producer, Director, Casting Director, & P. Design Commercial, 2008
“Personal Hell” Producer, 1stAssistant Director, Casting Director, & Editor (FTC) Five Towns College Thesis Film, 2007
“Draw” 2nd Assistant Director (FTC) Five Towns College Thesis Film, 2007
“Converting Vegetarians” Producer, Director, Casting, Editor, & writer (FTC) Five Towns College Thesis Film, 2006
REFERENCES
Brendan Burke - Producer, Writer, Director of the short films “Contributions”/ "Toby and Zee"/ “Mookie” / “Sacha”/ “The Late Set”
Email: Brendan.Burke.NYC@Gmail.com
"I have had the fortune of working with Michael Fels on all of my film projects thus far. In addition to his solid technical knowledge of filmmaking, I've found him to be an organized and conscientious collaborator on set and off. I very highly recommend working with Michael Fels in any capacity."
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Nicholas DeSimone - EP/Writer/Director of “Full Throttle Paradise” Email: NDeSimone@HotMail.com
Having Michael Fels on board as Producer and 1st Assistant Director was a crucial element in having my film 'FULL THROTTLE PARADISE' come to life. Michael is a great communicator, detailed, budget conscious, honest, punctual, reliable and has a lot of integrity. He is also a super-pleasant guy who is very easy to get along with who goes above and beyond to get the job done. If you are searching for a Producer or a 1st Assistant Director for your film project, hire Michael Fels.
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Alex Plachkov - Director of “A Spoon of Honey”
Email: aplachkov88@gmail.com
“Working with Michael is a great pleasure. He went above and beyond as 1st AD/Producer putting his full heart into my short film. My vision for “A Spoon of Honey” became his priority at all times and that is all a Director could ask for. I wouldn't think twice about hiring Michael again. He brings an amazing energy to set and knows how to bridge the professional with the creative, making sure everyone's individual needs are met. Knowing I had someone on board who cared just as deeply about a successful outcome as I did allowed me to remain in a creative head space. Michael took full charge and responsibility ensuring that the production ran as smoothly as possible.” - Alex Plachkov
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Panini Pandey - EP, Director of “Folding In Squares”. Email: ” PPandey@SVA.edu
Michael’s attention to detail as Producer/1st Assistant Director/Casting Director was extremely helpful in thoroughly organizing and professionally executing all aspects of my film “Folding in Squares”. His transparent workflow, efficient style, and effective management skills allowed us to get all of our shots without going into overtime. I definitely recommend Michael Fels.
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Emmanuel Christian -Producer/ Actor of "4 Halves Make a Whole" Email: Em.spechk@gmail.com
"Michael Fels was a great addition to the team of our episodic web series ( "4 Halves Make a Whole"). Michael's consistent professionalism, extensive knowledge of the filmmaking process, and organizational skills were all key in helping us successfully complete episodes of our production in both an efficient and timely manner. Michael took care to make sure that the cast and the crew felt comfortable. He worked well with our Producer's team, always working within the means given to him. Michael's contributions were immediately felt. We were lucky to have him as our Director. I look foward to working with him again in the future." - Emmanuel Christian
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Zander Padget - Director of "Alex" Email: Zpadget21@Gmail.com
"Michael was so helpful in walking me through the schedule and with wrangling the cast/crew (especially all of the extras.) That took a lot of pressure off the Producer and I, and made our planning more enjoyable and thorough. I totally trusted that Michael had everything under control and that allowed me to be able to focus on the actors and camera. Being able to have that kind of creative freedom and space to work in was a true gift for me, and I owe a lot of that to Michael . I have great memories of our phone calls and conversations on set. It was a pleasure working with Michael Fels and I really hope we can work together again." - -Zander Padget
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Jamila J. Brown - Producer, Director, Writer of “Go Fish”/ “NYC The Movie”/”Previous” Email: JamilaJJb@Gmail.com
"Professional & Thorough! These are some of the many qualities Michael Fels brings with him to set. I met Michael in the summer of 2014. Michael gave me the pointers and the freedom I needed to prosper on my first film set. I am forever grateful for his services. Michael has been a huge asset to my three productions and as he advances in his career I can only imagine how much more phenomenal he'll grow to be!" -Jamila Brown
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Jeff Frumess - Producer, Director, & Writer of the Feature Film “Romeo’s Distress.” Email: J.Frumess@Gmail.com
"Michael Fels is professional, punctual, and polite. He kept the set moving as AD, so that we could confidently make our day. Michael is low maintenance which is so wonderful when dealing with so many different personalities. I hope to work with him again in the future!"
- Jeff Frumess
Kymberli Roberson - Creator of the “Mayfield Podcast” Email:Robersonkymberli6@gmail.com
“I had the pleasure of working with Michael Fels on a web serial in which he assisted me with casting for a podcast episode. He’s professional, polite, thorough, and knowledgeable in his field. I do recommend him if anyone is looking for a nice, all-around person capable of getting the job done on time. I hope that we can work together again in the future.”
-Kymberli Roberson
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Terry Wickham- Director/ Producer of "Stash"
Quote from the website: http://wordpress.mantaraypictures.com/category/stash-2/page/7/
"My Assistant Director/Gaffer/Associate Producer Michael Fels (he wore three hats) has earned deserving praise from all who’ve had the pleasure to work with him. He was so polite and carried such a optimistic attitude that he made it easy for people to listen to him and do what he asked. I wanted people to enjoy working on this movie and Michael is one of the reasons they probably felt this way."
-Terry Wickham
(Additonal References and their Contact Information is available upon request.)
INTERVIEWS:
(Online) One Film Fan’s interview with Michael Fels:
In Their Own Words: Director/Producer/Writer Michael ... - One Film Fan
(Online) MayField Interview with Michael Fels:
https://mayfieldserial.home.blog/2020/09/12/interview-with-michael-fels/?fbclid=IwAR0kozCB6WmRePeXBr27nTQ9fIa-pSD5RFKzUHIwTVDH569fqM1CeC650aE
HIGHLIGHTS:
Michael has worked on projects that have Celebrity talent such as Golden Globe/Emmy Winner "Rachel Brosnahan” as well as Emmy Nominee “Ariana Burks”. Michael has worked alongside Celebrity Filmmakers such as Academy Award Winner "Luke Matheny". Michael has worked on music videos with Celebrity Musicians such as "Nicky Minaj" and "Mavado".
https://youtu.be/9sbuoFy32Kc. ( 60+ million views)
SAG-AFTRA
If your production wishes to hire union actors then SAG-AFTRA approval must be attained and union guide lines must be followed. Your production will need a payroll company, workers compensation insurance, general liability insurance, a list of the talent you cast as well as their SAG ID# and their agent’s phone number, the finalized script, the shooting schedule, a copy of the owner of the films ID, as well as the budget to begin that application process. SAG will assign you a SAG rep to aid in this process. SAG must clear the actors prior to any rehearsals taking place. During production, time cards, and other paperwork will be needed to be filled out on set. Your production will have to have a covid safety officer. After your production is complete you will have to send additional paperwork to SAG involving credits and such. Your budget will dictate your SAG Agreement type which dictates the minimum you can pay SAG Actors. Please keep in mind that a day of work is considered any day an actor is required to attend, so this includes rehearsals, table reads, filming, etc.