Writer / Photographer
Contribute long-form feature articles with accompanying photography, editorials and opinion pieces on subjects ranging from legal and business issues, to ecology and animal behavior, to music and human interest. Publications include The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, Billboard Magazine, The Seattle Times, The Santa Barbara Independent, Crosscut.com, All About Beer Magazine, Northwest Magazine and The Peninsula Daily News.
Communications Specialist — "Pike For Bellingham"
Consultant and media strategist to Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike's communications team. Edited television ads, designed graphics, contributed to website design, created content, edited photography, consulted on SEO and ad-word strategies, and spoke publicly at mayoral forums and on TV spots.
Now Showing / Made You Laugh
Contributing Writer / Licensing Manager
Wrote and edited chapters, edited narration and performed script supervision for the Andrews McMeel Multimedia books with DVD: Now Showing, Unforgettable Movie Moments — a New York Times Best Seller hosted by Dustin Hoffman — and Made You Laugh, A History of Comedy — hosted by Carl and Rob Reiner. Negotiated all film and television clips; oversaw talent and music licensing.
Flix Mix
Universal Pictures
Production Consultant / Manager Rights & Clearances
Production Consultant on the Flix Mix / Showtime documentary "Masters Of Horror," featuring Wes Craven, John Carpenter and Guillermo del Toro. Oversaw licensing and clearances for the Flix Mix division at Universal Pictures.
Arrest & Trial
Universal Television - Wolf Films
Manager Rights & Clearances
Oversaw acquisitions and clearances on the Studios USA /Dick Wolf reality program hosted by Brian Dennehy. Brought in my department $300,000 under budget.
Roswell: Cover Ups And Close Encounters
Sci Fi Channel
Contributing Writer / Footage Acquisitions
The Gorge Games
Outdoor Life Network
Field Producer / Cameraman
Produced and field directed on three one-hour extreme sports specials for OLN.
Save our Streets
Syndicated
Field Director (2 Segments)
The Beef
MTM Network
Associate Producer on the news parody comedy specials hosted by Tim Conway.
Why Planes Go Down
FOX
Field Producer: Documentary on Airplane Safety hosted by Gillian Anderson.
He Says / She Says
MCA Universal
Producer: Six Episodes of the "Battle Of The Sexes" comedy talk show.
The Crusaders
Buena Vista Television
Segment and field producer for syndicated weekly newsmagazine aired on NBC O&Os nationwide.
60 Minutes
CBS News
Associate Producer on an investigation into “Interrogation Tactics.”
Caught In The Act
dick clark productions
NBC
Senior Researcher
KCET - TV Ch. 28, Los Angeles — PBS
Senior Researcher / Field Producer
National Public Radio / AP Radio / Marketplace
Freelance Producer / Reporter to NPR's Morning Edition, All Things Considered and Weekend Edition, PRI's Marketplace, and the Associated Press Radio Network.
Awards
Greater Los Angeles Press Club Journalism Award of Excellence
" Best Entertainment Reporting on Los Angeles Radio "
Member — Society of Environmental Journalists — since 2006
Fellowship — Institutes for Journalism and Natural Resources — 2011
Recommendations
“Dedication, commitment, patience, resilience and natural talent are just a few of the adjectives that come to mind when I think of how to describe Stephan Michaels. He has the nose for a worthy story and a gift at telling one. He also has an eye for composing a great photograph and possesses the personal character to communicate in a meaningful way.”
— Roger Smith, National Editor - Los Angeles Times
" I have awarded several projects to 2nd Wind Productions, all handled with diligence and expertise. From the editing of legal docs and requests to doggedly pursuing obscure sources,
to negotiating exceptional terms and rates, Stephan Michaels has always delivered. "
— Jenna Cedicci, Head of Production - Scatterlight Studios
" Stephan and I have worked together for many years on various projects.
Quick and articulate, he truly understands the business. "
— Jay Schellenbaum, Director of Film & TV Music at Universal Music Enterprises
"In the time I've known Stephan Michaels, he has continued to impress me with his instincts for the kinds of stories that make compelling television. The pieces he investigated and produced for "The Crusaders," for example, were well told and often moving. I also admire Stephan's creativity and original ideas. He has the talent and tenacity to turn these ideas into successful shows."
— Josh Howard, Senior Producer - 60 Minutes
."A special thank-you to Stephan Michaels for his creativity, boundless energy, and meticulous attention to detail. This book is better for it.”
— Joe Garner, author of the New York Times Best-seller "Now Showing"
“Stephan Michaels has been a regular contributor to the Peninsula Daily News on Washington state's North Olympic Peninsula (across the Strait of Juan de Fuca from Victoria, B.C.) His feature articles have been written at a high standard, accompanied by his own professional-caliber photography. From covering the plight of Vancouver Island's Luna the Killer Whale, to articles on sustainable farming practices, to writing about tennis, Michaels' writing and reporting has been top-notch. He is a perfectionist.”
— John Brewer, Publisher and Editor - Peninsula Daily News
William Link was Creator and Executive Producer of Columbo
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On a Personal Note
Rigs
Rides a mid-90s Breezer Venturi Road Bike
and once raced on a '98 Bontrager Race Light MTB.
Shoots with a 2001 Canon EOS lll 35mm SLR.
Plays a beat up mid 1960's Ludwig Standard.
Favorite Quote
" A little of what you fancy does you good, or so it should. "
— Ian Anderson, 1973
Personal Rule
Never put an empty ice tray back in the fridge.
Chinese Zodiac
Fire Rooster
Favorite Author
JP Donleavy
( The Ginger Man, A Farily Tale of New York
The Destinies of Darcy Dancer, Gentleman )
Favorite Musician /Composer
Frank Zappa
Spirit Animal
Arya Stark
