Michael Cook
Oswego,IL
Summary
Creative animation producer and production coordinator specializing in original content development. Strong ability to coordinate cross-functional teams, streamline production processes, and leverage social media strategies to boost brand visibility and audience engagement.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Property Manager | Social Media Coordinator
TJC Apartments
Oswego, IL
01.2025 - Current
- Coordinated resident communications, maintenance follow-ups, and issue tracking to ensure timely resolution in a fast-paced environment.
- Documented next steps while balancing competing requests, ensuring thorough completion with stakeholders.
- Created engaging content for social media platforms, resulting in increased brand visibility.
- Maintained content calendars to facilitate timely updates and postings.
- Partnered with marketing teams to synchronize social media strategies with campaign goals.
- Monitored social media trends to identify opportunities for enhancing audience engagement.
Founder | Animation Producer | Showrunner
Valley Studios Media, LLC
Oswego, IL
01.2011 - Current
- Lead development and production of original animated IP from concept through release, coordinating scripts, storyboards, voice recording, animation, editing, sound, and final delivery.
- Built schedules, milestones, task assignments, production documents, and review checkpoints for concurrent projects and remote contributors to ensure timely project delivery.
- Tracked creative assets, revisions, approvals, open items, and release status; communicated actionable notes across artists, performers, and collaborators to facilitate smooth workflows.
- Developed pitch decks, series materials, budgets, production plans, and presentation assets for studio, investor, and audience engagement.
Series Creator | Director | Producer
Chucky Chicken: Films of a Feather
01.2008 - Current
- Directed story development, voice performance, animation, and post-production, establishing a repeatable pipeline that enhanced efficiency for future episodic production.
- Produced and released 15 animated shorts, ensuring character continuity, timing, visual consistency, and high production quality for audience engagement.
- Developed original film concepts for animated projects at a creative production studio.
- Collaborated with writers and artists to refine storylines and character designs.
- Managed project timelines to ensure timely completion of film production phases.
Creative Producer & Visual Designer
RAM TV
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Created branding and visual identity for YouTube channel, supporting weekly production and enhancing audience engagement.
- Developed engaging content for television segments and digital platforms.
- Collaborated with teams to brainstorm creative ideas for upcoming projects.
- Managed production schedules to ensure timely completion of broadcasts.
Creator & Executive Producer
HodgePodge Tonight
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Produced 11 episodes, secured broadcast test on Chicago CAN-TV Channel 11, and organized sponsored live performance and simulcast to enhance audience engagement.
- Developed engaging content for live shows and digital platforms.
- Collaborated with production teams to enhance show quality and viewer experience.
- Curated diverse topics to attract a broad audience base.
Freelance Lead Animator | Performer
Toonopolis Studios, LLC
Indianapolis, IN
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Led animation team in creating engaging character designs and storyboards.
- Animated episodic children’s educational content, contributing to storyboards, read-throughs, filming sessions, and live events to enhance educational engagement.
- Collaborated with production team to deliver animation and performance elements on schedule, ensuring timely project completion.
- Collaborated with directors to ensure alignment on project vision and style.
- Trained junior animators in software tools and animation techniques.
Education
BFA - Media Arts & Animation
The Illinois Institute of Art–Schaumburg
Schaumburg, IL06-2012
Skills
- Social media strategy
- Digital content creation
- Scheduling & task tracking
- Cross-functional coordination
- Deliverables & release readiness
- Production documentation & notes
- Voice direction
- Script workflow
- Toon Boom Harmony
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Microsoft Office
- Asset/version organization
Production Expertise
Scheduling & task tracking, Production documentation & notes, Asset/version organization, Deliverables & release readiness, Cross-functional coordination, Creative development support, Script, storyboard & animatic workflow, Voice recording & talent direction, Traditional 2D animation, Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office
Accomplishments
- Best Animated Short - Northwest Illinois Film Festival 2026 - "Drivin' Me Looney"
- Best Animated Short - LA Sun Film Fest 2026 - "Drivin' Me Looney"
- Nomination - Best Animated Short - LA Indie Shorts 2026 - "Drivin' Me Looney"
- Selection - North Hollywood CineFest 2026 - "Drivin' Me Looney"
- Selection - New York Arts & Entertainment Film Festival 2026 - "Drivin' Me Looney"
- Selection - Ciclos Shorts Fest 2026 - "Drivin' Me Looney"
Relocation
Anaheim, CA
Personal Information
Available: 2–3 weeks' notice
Timeline
Property Manager | Social Media Coordinator
TJC Apartments
01.2025 - Current
Creative Producer & Visual Designer
RAM TV
01.2016 - 01.2018
Freelance Lead Animator | Performer
Toonopolis Studios, LLC
01.2014 - 01.2015
Founder | Animation Producer | Showrunner
Valley Studios Media, LLC
01.2011 - Current
Creator & Executive Producer
HodgePodge Tonight
01.2011 - 01.2016
Series Creator | Director | Producer
Chucky Chicken: Films of a Feather
01.2008 - Current
BFA - Media Arts & Animation
The Illinois Institute of Art–Schaumburg