As Managing Director, Ludicious – Zürich Games Festival
Chris Bergstresser, Partner at MTGx Modern Times Group
12h February 2018
“..with a very short lead time, (Michael) delivered our most successful edition of our festival both from an attendee and business perspective. I have been impressed with Michael’s ability to engage with a variety of local and international stakeholders, to boost ticket revenues and attendance figures, and to secure major sponsorship funding to deliver a complex international event running over four days.”
Sylvain Gardel, Head of Special Focus «Culture and Business» at Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia
9th February 2018
“(Michael) has proven to be clear-sighted manager, guiding the festival to increased international press and industry exposure.. (he) is a true professional and has senior level skills in project management, accounting and communication. It is a pleasure to work with this creative industry veteran and exceptional personality.”
Michel Vust, Project Leader at Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia
12th February 2018
“(Michael) ..had only 8 months to organise the 2018 edition of the festival. His missions included HR, fundraising, budget, partnerships and planning.. (he) has always shown great professionalism and enthusiasm, as well as an impressive capacity to find solutions to any problem.. I warmly recommend Michael to any potential employer.”
As a Film & Media Executive
Robert Norris, Senior Vice President at Pinewood Group plc
13th January 2016
“Mike is consistently innovative, motivated and highly organised in all his professional activities. He has always been committed to attracting quality projects to the Isle of Man and ensuring that the local perception of the island’s film industry, and the UK’s and wider world’s view of the Isle of Man is a positive one. He has helped to grow an indigenous crew base through his personal and professional support of a local short film funding and production scheme, aimed both at entry level trainees and also at those with developing careers in the industry.”
Steve Christian, Independent Film Producer, Gasworks Media
16th January 2016
“In my role of leading a Public/Private Partnership to develop a film and media sector on the Isle of Man, our relationship has involved liaising on policy reviews, business planning and evaluation, talent liaison, project and script analysis, many aspects of contracting and project monitoring of both individual projects and the overall partnership.
During my time as Director of Pinewood Studios Group Plc, Mike’s role involved liaison with the UK Film Industry and a high degree of Public Relations which he handled with great professionalism.”
Lucy Whitehead, Programme Coordinator at Into Film
January 22, 2016
“Mike has always been extremely dedicated to film education and talent development, helping to inspire the next generation of creative enthusiasts and indigenous filmmakers of the Isle of Man. He is a great communicator and is passionate about culture, business and education.”
For economic development of film and creative sectors:
Gwyn Owens, Head of Creative Economy at UK Dept of Culture Media and Sport
January 21, 2016
“Mike has an extremely collaborative approach to work, is personable and engaging.. I have admired his ability to use his business development and negotiating skills to attract inward investment.”
Chris Corlett, Chief Executive Officer at Isle of Man Dept of Economic Development
February 22, 2016
“I worked closely with Mike for several years in Government. He has real expertise in the film industry (from film finance to production and post-production) as well as broader business development in the creative industries.”
For Music and Sound production
Darren Garrett, Creative Director & Consultant
April 14, 2016
“I have worked with Mike over several years in my role as Creative Director of Littleloud where he scored the soundtracks to all our major projects, from short animations to multi part interactive dramas, including the BAFTA winning Bow Street Runner, acclaimed Games for Change winner The Curfew and Broadcast Digital nominee Sweatshop.
The professionalism, creativity and passion Mike brought to these projects was one of the major factors that elevated them to the next level, and it is for that reason that I’ve never worked with another composer on any project I’ve directed.”
