Michael Manasseri is the Co-Director/Producer of the critically acclaimed horror/thriller Babysitter Wanted. Babysitter Wanted was the premiere release on BSEG’s Domestic DVD/Blu Ray label and the film has made numerous Top 10 Horror Film Lists.
Michael is an actor’s director. His directing talent lies in his ability to communicate with actors on their level so as to evoke their best performances; his honest and insightful approach brings a sense of reality to each story being told. Much of Michael’s success as a director is a logical extension of his early success as an actor on stage and screen.
As a teenager Michael appeared on Broadway in the revival of Oliver, toured the United States in The King and I with Yul Brynner, and starred in three Off Broadway theatrical productions. He also appeared in over 40 national commercials. Michael made his silver screen debut in the 20th Century Fox film, License to Drive, starring opposite Corey Haim, Corey Feldman and Heather Graham. Michael also had starring roles in four television series: Raising Miranda and Peaceable Kingdom for CBS, Charlie Hoover for FOX, and from 1994 to 1998 Michael played the lead role in the USA Network comedy Weird Science, executive produced by John Landis (Director/Producer of Animal House, Trading Places and Coming to America). Weird Science is still in worldwide syndication, having aired in over 40 countries.
From 1995 to 1999, Michael trained in the Master Class of acclaimed Acting/Directing teacher, Milton Katselas at the Beverly Hills Playhouse.
Michael has been in partnership with BSEG CEO, Kimberley Kates, for over ten years. In 2000, Michael formed Smash Productions with director John Asher (Diamonds for Miramax), actress/writer Jenny McCarthy (MTV’S Singled Out, Scream 3, Scary Movie 3) and Kimberley Kates (Blue Valley Songbird, The New Age, Bounce, Highway). The Smash team created and sold the project America’s Movie, to Fremantle Media, the producers of the Fox hit, American Idol. They also developed the project, Dirty Love, written by McCarthy.
Michael served as a Producer on Dirty Love, which had its world premiere at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival as well as the Aspen Comedy Festival. Michael produced The Mirror aka Nina and the Mystery of the Secret Room, directed by Stephen Eckelberry. Michael also edited and produced the Burt Reynolds/Raquel Welch comedy, Forget About It.
Michael was a production partner on the documentary William Shatner’s Gonzo Ballet with Mr. Shatner’s production arm, Melis Productions. Gonzo premiered at the Nashville Film Festival to terrific reviews and made its international premiere at the Marbella International Film Festival where it won Best Documentary. Gonzo will be released on DVD and television in 2011.
