Michelle Optiz
Michelle has had the honor of studying under directors John Badham (SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER) and Mark Rydell (ON GOLDEN POND) as a Marion Knott Scholar. She studied directing at the American Film Institute and also graduated from Chapman University with a BFA in film production. Michelle was the recipient of Chapman University's Location Filmmaking grant, EastmanKodak Women in Film scholarship and Panavisions's Filmmaker's Grant. Her feature debut, BETWEEN THE MILES screened at five festivals, winning two awards including Best Film and Best Acress. It is currently streaming on Amazon. She has had dozens of her short films and documentaries circulate festivals, winning awards and acclaim. To date, she has produced four feature films and has two features in pre-production. Born in Japan and raised in Hawaii, Michelle moved throughout her childhood. Her diverse background draws her toward unique projects. In addition to writing and directing her own films, Michelle teaches film and involves herself in projects she passionately believes in.