TO BE A FILMMAKER

It's not a choice, really--it's more like a virus, an infection in the soul.

As an independent writer-producer-director, Michael R. Barnard, as MICHAEL R BARNARD PRODUCTIONS (“MRBP”) makes feature films, music videos, corporate videos, and documentaries; writes scripts and articles, creates marketing and branding strategies, and generates publicity and news coverage.

THE BREADTH AND DEPTH OF EXPERIENCE

Michael’s projects range from developing motion picture and television properties, producing and directing live television shows, working as crew (setting up and mixing audio, operating cameras and tape machines, and managing set construction on major motion pictures).

THE TRIP TO HOLLYWOOD

A "spec" script for the TV series MOONLIGHTING generated excitement and brought me to Hollywood. Meetings with The William Morris Agency, Triad Agency, and phone conversations with such industry luminaries as Marcy Carsey and Ed Zwick followed. When MOONLIGHTING was abruptly canceled before anything was done with the script, the excitement faded.

EXAMPLES OF PROJECTS

Barry McGuire wants to help needy children around the world. Kids for Kids starring Barry McGuire is a television special MRBP produced in Pittsburgh. Its unique, fresh approach inspires families to get involved with less fortunate children around the world. This concert was taped live for syndication.

Golden Gopher Hockey broadcasts were produced by MRBP. MRBP found talent, crew and equipment across the country and delivered the University of Minnesota hockey games for major-market broadcast via satellite when that was exciting new technology rarely used for local stations.

Julius "Dr. J" Erving wants to tell African-American youth how important it is to finish school. MRBP traveled to an impoverished high school in Philadelphia to work with the basketball great. Dr. J, along with football stars Alan Page and Greg Coleman, starred in Give it Your Best Shot, produced and directed by MRBP and sponsored by Honeywell.

Minnesota Twins' pitcher Juan Berenguer did some exciting pitching in the 1987 World Series. Investors approached MRBP wanting a souvenir video...and fast! MRBP conceived, produced, directed, edited, and delivered The Berenguer Boogie music video in just 48 hours!

Academy of Family Physicians had a message about a looming crisis in health care. MRBP wrote the documentary It's Not Just Your Doctor's Problem to help prevent the crisis. It was honored with a national commendation.

Young filmmakers need to convince distributors they can deliver their feature film. MRBP was brought in as Producer after their early mis-steps trying to create a promotional short film. MRBP successfully delivered a 3-day shoot on mini-DV (Canon XL-1) for their project!

Prince had an urge to do a music video. One Sunday afternoon, MRBP was asked if Prince could get a video shoot for a music video?for 7:00 that evening! MRBP delivered a full ten-hour four-camera shoot, producing the artist's Alphabet Street video.

Concordia College, a prestigious Lutheran college, wanted to broadcast its Christmas Vespers service, all candle-lit and hushed. MRBP produced and directed the taping of the live service, without marring its dignity, drama or impact. MRBP received two awards for The Annual Christmas Choral Vespers.

A Hollywood PR firm wanted a ghosted article for one of their high-profile clients. MRBP delivered The Sunny Side of Generation X for publication in a national magazine?s opinion page shortly after the suicide of Curt Cobain.

Films, TV, Music Videos:
Feature films, short films, and television programs developed by MRBP include: Undertakings, The Kiddy Writer, Mankiller, $mart Money, Celebration, 7,000 Cows in Guatemala, The Falls, A Venom in the Blood, Kids for Kids starring Barry McGuire, Dan ’n Bob, No Relation.

Various other projects include: manager of set construction for Mars Attacks (Warner Bros.), Bushwhacked (Fox), Little Big League (Castle Rock), Babylon (Paramount); Production Assistant, Camera Operator, Audio Mixer or other tasks for Blue Wave (Mystique Films), BATMAN and PRINCE music videos (Propaganda), Ms. Fitness USA (Rat-ta-Tat Productions) and other projects.

EXAMPLES OF WRITING

Writing projects include scripts, training manuals, marketing materials, press releases, video news releases, and magazine articles for corporations, non-profit organizations, television shows, and celebrities. To view these writing samples in Adobe ACROBAT® format online, click the document title. To request a hard-copy of a writing sample, contact MICHAEL R BARNARD PRODUCTIONS.

Need the FREE Acrobat READER? Click:

World Vision News Television news story about World Vision, the international children relief organization.

Understanding Predictors of Outcomes PowerPoint presentation of medical research findings from a prominent physician/professor.

Netopia Cayman Router Installation Training video script for Netopia routers.

Desktop Video Services on Your Home-Based PC Trade book published by McGraw Hill/TAB Books, 1994.

Proposal for Virtuosity.com 1999 analysis and recommendations for web-site upgrade to generate more business.

We Don't Do No Ghosts Episode for MOONLIGHTING TV series (series cancelled during script consideration)

The Sunny Side of Generation X Ghostwritten magazine Op/Ed article for Hollywood celebrity via PR firm.