STAR WARS WEEKENDS
From 2011 until 2015, Michael had the incredible opportunity to be part of the highly skilled creative team that brought the annual Star Wars Weekends Event to the enchanting Disney's Hollywood Studios. During this time, his role involved not only writing but also directing the captivating Behind The Force show, which held a special spotlight on two sensational animated Star Wars series, namely The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. The show centered around the awe-inspiring art of voice-over acting and animation, offering Guests an exclusive glimpse into the mesmerizing process of recording a show.
To make this show genuinely unforgettable, Michael collaborated with the talented Ashley Eckstein and James Arnold Taylor, who were brilliant hosts. Together, they created a remarkable reader's theatre experience, giving the audience a chance to participate vicariously in the thrilling world of Star Wars. The vocal stars of the series lent their incredible talents, bringing the beloved characters to life before the astonished eyes of fans young and old.
But Michael's contributions went beyond the Behind The Force show. He also took on the exhilarating task of writing and directing the grand finale, aptly named Summon The Force. This captivating production was designed to leave audiences on the edge of their seats, as it meticulously showcased the most iconic moments from the Star Wars saga. The stage came alive with dazzling effects, awe-inspiring pyrotechnics, and mesmerizing video footage, transporting viewers into a world of adventure and imagination like never before.
In addition to his role as a writer and director, Michael also took charge of scripting and directing video segments that played a crucial part in an immersive experience called Tosche Station. This captivating fictional video channel was ingeniously integrated into the park's numerous monitors, screens, and even the pre-show and post-show content in theatres, ensuring guests could immerse themselves in the enticing world of Tosche Station wherever they went. The channel boasted an impressive array of pre-produced short-form content, offering an abundance of information, thrilling show previews, interactive segments with special guests, and an exclusive insider interview show named Skywalking, which featured Jedi-on-the-street interviews that left viewers informed and kept them in the fun and thrills of a galaxy far, far away..
With his exceptional writing and directing skills, Michael played a significant role in making Star Wars Weekends an event that fans will fondly remember for years. His creative vision and dedication to immersing guests in the beloved Star Wars universe truly shone through, leaving a lasting impact on all those fortunate enough to experience the magic firsthand.
