Michael Steinberg (filmmaker)
 | This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages)
No issues specified. Please specify issues, or remove this template. |
| This article contains promotional content. (July 2008) |
 |
Director/writer/producer, UCLA Film School graduate, Michael Steinberg is known for his detailed work with actors and for his love of combining the freshness and freedom of indie films with the reach and professionalism of big studio features. To date he has directed 3 features that all premiered at The Sundance Film Festival and has written and/or produced 4 other features that have won numerous awards and generated hundreds of millions of dollars since his professional debut in 1992. In addition, he has written, directed, and/or produced a steady stream of television projects since his first foray into television in 2000.
Most recently, Michael produced the feature film (and 4th Sundance debut) HELL RIDE - presented by Quentin Tarantino and staring Dennis Hopper, Michael Madsen, and Vinnie Jones. This update of the 60s biker genre was written and directed by Larry Bishop and will be released August 8th, 2008 by Dimension.
In 2005, Michael conceived and co-wrote the Sci-Fi Action Horror film, THE CAVE. The film was produced by Academy Award winner Tom Rosenberg (MILLION DOLLAR BABY), Andrew Mason (THE MATRIX trilogy) and Gary Luchesi. It stared Cole Hauser and was released wide from Sony/Screen Gems.
Since 2000 Michael has sold and written nine one-hour drama pilots for all the major networks and top studios. His first, THE CASEYS, written, directed, and produced for UPN and Fox Television, was picked by Entertainment Weekly as one of the five best produced pilot of the season. Michael is currently the writer and creator of a one hour pilot for DreamWorks Television that D.J. Caruso (DISTURBIA, EAGLE) will be directing.
In 2000, Michael's third feature directing effort, WICKED, was released by Sony/Screen Gems. The black comedy thriller debuted at The Sundance Film Festival and won Julia Stiles a "Best Actress" nod at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival where it was nominated for a Crystal Globe in the Main Competition.
In 1998 Michael produced the smash, THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY, directed by The Farrelly Brothers, starring Cameron Diaz, Ben Stiller, and Matt Dillon. It was released by Twentieth Century Fox and has made over 350 million worldwide to date. Michael was nominated for a Golden Globe as a producer and the film won an MTV Award for “Best Movie” of the year. The movie is listed at #27 on AFI's "Greatest American Comedies."
In 1994 Michael co-wrote and produced the edgy romantic comedy SLEEP WITH ME. This film starred Academy Award nominee Meg Tilly, Eric Stoltz, Craig Sheffer, Quentin Tarantino, and Parker Posey. It was released by MGM and was selected as the "Opening Night Gala Premiere" for the Toronto Film Festival and the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival in 1994.
Michael’s second feature as a director, BODIES, REST & MOTION, debuted at The Sundance Film Festival in 1993 and stared Bridget Fonda, Eric Stoltz, and, Academy Award nominee, Tim Roth. This film was runner-up for the Audience Award at the festival and was selected for the Un Certain Regard section at The Cannes Film Festival for its European debut. It was released by Fine Line to strong reviews ( New York Times and L.A. Times and many others) and has become a touchstone, cult-classic of the Gen-X genre. Criterion released the laser disk of the film under it's "Directors Signature" series.
In 1992 Michael made his professional directing debut with THE WATERDANCE, staring Eric Stoltz, Wesley Snipes, and Academy Award winner, Helen Hunt. It was released by Goldwyn in 1992 and won the I.F.P. Spirit Award for "Best First Feature" and the "Audience Award" at Sundance along with other awards from festivals around the world. The film is included in the book “The Best 1000 Films of All Time” published by the New York Times.