Overview

Michael is a partner in ELP and a 25 year plus veteran of the motion picture industry with expertise in motion picture and television finance and operations. Prior to re-entering private practice, Michael spent 4 years at one of the world’s leading motion picture distribution companies, IM Global, LLC. During his time there, Michael was the Executive Vice President of Motion Picture Finance and Operations and oversaw production and finance of movies ranging in budgets from $30 million (including Safe starring Jason Statham) to $2 million (including A Haunted House starring Marlon Wayans and grossing over $40 million in the US alone).  Michael has an expertise in motion picture finance and lending and represents numerous bridge lenders, financiers and sales agents in addition to producers and artists.

While at IM Global, Michael engineered use of EIS Funding to finance several slates of Films including “Locke” (Tom Hardy), “Plush” with Blumhouse Pictures and “A Haunted House 2” among others. Current clients include producer Lucas Foster, AGC Pictures, Elevated Entertainment, Gramercy Park Media, Angel Oak Films, Thunder Road/Asbury Park and Arclight Films. Some of Michael’s professional experience includes —Stone Village Pictures as Chief Operating Officer, Participant Media as Chief Operating Officer, and Cold Fusion Media as Founder & CEO. Michael has earned Executive Producer credits on over 30 theatrical motion pictures and is an expert on all aspects of international media distribution, finance and production.

In addition, Michael is a frequent guest lecturer on entertainment law and motion picture finance at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York, New York and member of the Board of Advisors of its Entertainment Law Clinic. Michael has handled production financing and business affairs for more than twenty different films. He graduated from Union College with his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science then furthered his education at Yeshiva University where he finished earning Doctor of Law (J.D.) degree.  Michael is a member of both the New York and California Bar and a member of the Producers Guild of America.

Practice Areas

• Motion picture and television finance
• International media distribution
• Business affairs
• Entertainment law
• Banking and lending
• Licensing and distribution
• Corporate and start ups
• Technology
• Music and sports law
• Union and Guild