A learned storyteller and filmmaker, Michael Neelsen has been writing and directing cinematic content for over a decade. He developed his bonafides on the Universal Pictures back lot in Los Angeles as a graduate of the New York Film Academy’s Directing for Film program, where he was selected as one of the school’s most promising filmmakers. He has continued his professional development in Los Angeles, Austin, Texas, Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, bringing his experience to the world of branded storytelling as co-founder of StoryFirst Media in 2009. Besides several award-winning shorts and campaigns, Michael directed the company’s first feature documentary, Last Day at Lambeau, which was released in 2012 and enjoyed wide acclaim on the film festival circuit. He is moderator of the film discussion podcast Reel Fanatics, finds purpose in the pursuit of big ideas, and is ready to travel to “the bottom of the world” to see Tom Waits if he ever goes on tour again.