
Animator at Animatus Studio
Rochester, New York Area

Animator at Animatus Studio
Rochester, New York Area
Mike has always loved cartoons. Years of drawing led him to pursue a degree in art at SUNY Geneseo, where he also developed an interest in broadcasting. After graduating, Mike worked for several years at WCMF radio in Rochester. Eventually he discovered that his drawings could not be seen on the radio, no matter how many times he held them up to the microphone.
Pressing on, he linked up with Animatus Studio as they were working on their first "Derf the Viking" cartoon. He has since designed and animated various Vikings, Norse gods, drunken clowns, and dancing sumo wrestlers. He even contributes a voice now and then.
Mike also creates his own pieces, which reflect his love for the horror genre. His Friday the 13th fan film, "Jason: The Rebirth," has won top prizes at ManiaFest and NecroComicon events in California. His latest project, "H.P. Lovecraft's The Other Gods" is set to be released on DVD through established label Lurker Films.
Mike acts as webmaster to AnimatusStudio.com, designing pages and creating original Flash content. His personal website is maddogmovies.com
Hand-drawn animation, Flash, Toon Boom, After Effects, Photoshop, Premiere, Encore, Final Cut Pro, VT Edit
(Motion Pictures and Film industry)
2003 — Present (6 years )
Creator of independent films and online content for maddogmovies.com
* Produced H.P. Lovecraft’s The Other Gods, official entry to the H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival and several other festivals. Soon to be released on DVD through established label Lurker Films.
* Animated award-winning fan film Jason: The Rebirth, 1st place NecroComicon Film Contest, 2nd place ManiaFest "Cut 'Em Up" Film Contest.
* Creator and webmaster of Ominous Events: The Horror Festivals and Cons Database.
* Co-writer on Lake Midnight, a live-action feature in development with Philrose Productions.
* Co-host and producer of The MAD DOG MOVIES Podcast, a behind-the-scenes show about independent film production
(Animation industry)
2000 — Present (9 years )
* Guiding students through pencil testing, inking, scanning, coloring, lip sync, editing, and sound design.
* Worked with student groups to create shorts honoring women in history for the High Falls Film Festival.
* Assisted students in producing Frederick Douglass biographical short film for International Underground Railroad Conference.
* Tutored several young filmmakers whose shorts have gone on to play in festivals.
(Animation industry)
June 1998 — Present (11 years 6 months)
* Proficient in creating innovative animation and storyboards for a corporate clientele.
* Experienced in using traditional hand-drawn and stop motion techniques in conjunction with programs such as Flash and After Effects.
* Worked as animation supervisor on Clicker Clatter and the high-definition Sirens, two shorts from director Benjamin Radford.
* Contributed to the Derf the Viking cartoon series, which have screened at Rochester’s Little Theatre, the Rochester International Film Festival, and other venues.
* Authored DVD releases for It Came From Animatus, The End of the Line - Rochester’s Subway, and Irondequoit: Lacrosse Town U.S.A.
* Developed websites for Animatus Studio and other clients.
* Organized promotional materials for Rochester’s High Falls Film Festival animation events.
(Broadcast Media industry)
1996 — 2000 (4 years )
Comprehensive responsibility for the technical direction and management of Rochester's top rated morning show and radio personality, Brother Wease, with a 50,000-watt presence in Western and Central New York.
* Arranged interviews, performed audio production, coordinated live remotes, screened calls
* Produced Radio Free Wease, B.J. Shea, B.J. and the Bull, and the Beth Donahue shows. Utilized strong technical/artistic capabilities to produce high-impact commercials
1992 — 1996
Rochester Film Lab, Rochester Movie Makers, Rochester Audio Visual Association
ANIMATED SHORTS
H.P. LOVECRAFT'S THE OTHER GODS
* Honorable Mention, Horrordance
* Certificate of Merit, Rochester Int'l Film Festival
JASON: THE REBIRTH
* Winner, NecroComicon
25th Anniversary Friday the 13th Celebration
* Second Place Winner, Mania Fest
"Friday the 13th" Cut 'Em Up Film Contest