Biography

Michael's first short as producer won a student academy award. Fresh out of Northwestern U, Michael produced a short selected to Cannes. Michael worked as a development/production executive on numerous movies including Bad Influence (Curtis Hanson directed), Men at Work (Emilio Estevez directed/starred) and Double Impact (Jean Claude Van Damme). Producing over 50 independent features in the late 80s and 90s, some thru companies he founded, Michael pioneered a micro-budget filmmaking process resulting in critically acclaimed movies at Sundance (The Invisibles), various international festivals and a Spirit award nomination (Charlotte Sometimes). Michael directs and produces hundreds of short movies for international advocacy organizations including UNICEF, RESCUE and the EU working in disasters and hot-spots all over the world. Additionally Michael focuses on directing promotional content for social entrepreneurs and planet-friendly products. Michael recently returned to features producing Passenger C (Cassian Elwes Director), Eurotrash, Lost Angeles and Bride of the Dead.
- IMDb mini biography by: Michael Kastenbaum

Is a certified schoolteacher.

Speaks on panels all over the world about low budget production and alternative distributon of film.

Graduated from Northwestern University.

In 1996, launched Zero Pictures, a Labortory where filmmakers received production funds and educational and resource support without creative interference.