Michael Benedict
Van Nuys,USA
Summary
Experienced film and television professional with a strong background in awards management, FYC campaigns, membership, communications, and event coordination. Brings a deep understanding of the entertainment industry, along with a proven track record of managing high-profile programs and talent. Highly organized, communicative, and collaborative, with strong data management and administrative expertise. Proficient in streamlining processes and working across various departments. Experienced with strategic planning and project management.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Beverly Hills, CA
05.2018 - Current
- Awards Management
- Manage the awards submission process and voting procedures for the Academy Awards.
- Ensure that all submissions comply with Academy rules and eligibility requirements.
- Supervise and assist in the construction of the awards submission site and the streaming platform (Academy Screening Room).
- Communicate directly with filmmakers, studios, distributors, and publicists regarding entries and FYC campaigns and regulations.
- Serve as the lead liaison between AMPAS administration and the various branches including Animation, Documentary, Short Films, Makeup Artists and Hairstylists, Producers, and Festival Selection Committee.
- Organize and lead various digital and in-person meetings with members and Academy staff.
- Manage the Academy's Qualifying Festival List and application process.
- Participate in global film festival panels and presentations (Annecy, IDFA, IFF Panama).
- Organized and produced member and public screenings and events, including nomination screenings, nomination events, and Oscars Season programming at the Academy Museum
- Academy Membership Management
- Oversee new member review process for the relevant branches.
- Manage new membership requirements and maintain accurate membership records.
- Support initiatives to promote diversity, inclusion, and international member representation.
- Directed strategic initiatives enhancing industry engagement and collaboration among members.
- Managed comprehensive communication strategies and drafted public press releases and membership communications.
Representative
Directors Guild of America
Los Angeles, CA
04.2012 - 04.2018
- Reports Compliance
- Receive incoming compliance documents: deal memos, post-production addendums, weekly work lists, gross earnings reports, etc.
- Parse, review, and log director work documents.
- Identify missing reports or missing data, follow up with employers/signatories or production companies to obtain documentation.
- Review reports for accuracy and completeness; catch data entry errors or missing fields.
- Assist in resolving issues raised by members regarding their work lists, their deal memos, or missing credits or employment reporting.
Projectionist Manager
Cinemark Theaters
Denton, TX
10.2009 - 09.2011
- Projection Operations
- Operate digital cinema projectors (DCP) and 35mm prints to ensure correct playback of films, trailers, and advertisements.
- Manage the ingest, key delivery (KDM) and scheduling of digital content.
- Confirm all films are properly formatted and framed for brightness, focus, and aspect ratio.
- Supervise a team of projectionists
- Conduct regular maintenance and troubleshooting of projectors, servers, and audio processors.
- Work with vendors or technical support to resolve hardware/software issues.
Education
Bachelor of Arts and Science - Radio, Television and Film
University of North Texas
Denton, TXSkills
- Take2
- CRM
- Microsoft Teams
- Public Speaking
- Microsoft Office
- Zoom
- Dropbox
- Talent Relations
- Schedule management
- Event Coordination
Timeline
Director
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
05.2018 - Current
Representative
Directors Guild of America
04.2012 - 04.2018
Projectionist Manager
Cinemark Theaters
10.2009 - 09.2011
Bachelor of Arts and Science - Radio, Television and Film
University of North Texas