Biography

Award-winning writer and director Michael Schroeder makes films that are both entertaining and emotionally resonant. His work blends compelling characters, visual storytelling and unexpected moments that stay with audiences long after the film ends.

His acclaimed feature MAN IN THE CHAIR (starring Christopher Plummer) showcased his ability to blend genres with style and content. The film confronted ageism and neglect in modern society, earning Best Picture honors at the Santa Barbara, Stony Brook, Kent, and Heartland Film Festivals, as well as nominations and recognition from Berlin (Crystal Bear), Seattle, Palm Beach, AFI-Dallas, MethodFest and dozens more. Christopher Plummer referred to his character Flash, as the role of a lifetime. Critic Rex Reed (New York Observer) praised the film as "a modest but intelligent feel-good movie with a spectacular performance by Christopher Plummer and some wise and deeply affecting writing and direction from Michael Schroeder. At a time when most films wallow in mankind's basest instincts, MAN IN THE CHAIR is a rare, once in a blue moon kind of movie that celebrates the best qualities in people and makes you applaud the human race."

Since joining the Directors Guild of America in 1982, Schroeder has made over 50 feature films, spanning narrative, action, and commercial work. His early career (30 feature films) as a First Assistant Director included THE BIG EASY and SHY PEOPLE, along with dozens of commercials and music videos. His keen eye for emerging talent led to the first film roles for Angelina Jolie and Meg Tilly.

As an action director, Schroeder has earned international recognition, including the Hollywood's Greatest Stunts award for THE GLASS CAGE explosion sequence vimeo.com/23546949 and global acclaim for the DAMNED RIVER white-water scenes shot on the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe, vimeo.com/156124027.

In 2007, Schroeder founded ELBOW GREASE PICTURES, an independent production company based in Venice, California. elbowgreasepictures.net

He served as Professor of Film Directing at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (2001-2002), inspiring a new generation of storytellers.

Originally from Idaho, Schroeder has lived in Los Angeles since 1980. He is married to filmmaker Sharon Cingle and is the proud father of four children - Taber, Rachel, Hillary, and Milo. When not on set, he can often be found on a golf course or playing tennis at Ocean View Courts in Santa Monica.
- IMDb mini biography by: EGP Staff