MICHAEL J. FERRARI
Avon Lake,OH
Summary
Acclaimed novelist and former network television censor at The WB, I excel in narrative development and audience engagement. With a proven track record in character-driven storytelling and screenplay analysis, I inspire students as an adjunct professor, fostering creativity and collaboration in visual storytelling and script refinement.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Feature Film Editor / Assistant Editor
Concorde/New Horizons
Westwood, California
10.1998 - 06.2000
- Edited and assisted on narrative feature films and television content
- Developed strong understanding of pacing, structure, and visual storytelling
Novelist
Delacorte / Random House
- Winner of the Delacorte Yearling Prize for a debut middle grade novel
- Crafted character-driven narratives that resonate emotionally and thematically
- Mastered long-form storytelling techniques, enhancing pacing and audience engagement
Adjunct Professor – Screenwriting & Film
Cleveland State University
- Taught screenplay structure, character development, and visual storytelling, enhancing students' narrative skills
- Guided students in adapting written ideas into scripted formats, fostering creativity and structured storytelling
- Led workshops, script critiques, and collaborative story development sessions, promoting peer feedback and refining storytelling techniques
Adjunct Professor – Screenwriting & Film
Oberlin College
- Taught screenplay structure, character development, and visual storytelling
- Guided students in transforming written ideas into polished scripts
- Led workshops and script critiques, fostering collaborative story development
Adjunct Professor – English / ESL
Cuyahoga Community College
- Delivered courses in composition, literature, and critical analysis of narrative texts, fostering students' analytical and writing skills
- Encouraged clarity and coherence in student writing through targeted feedback and structured guidance
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse student populations.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to encourage critical thinking and participation.
- Evaluated student performance through assignments and exams.
Network Television Censor
The WB Television Network
- Worked across development through final cut on series including Smallville, Reba, and Felicity
- Analyzed scripts and edits for narrative clarity, tone, and audience standards
- Collaborated with writers and producers to refine story content
Education
M.A. - Creative Writing / English (Honors)
California State University
Los AngelesB.F.A. - Film/Video
The Ohio State University
Screenwriting Certificate -
UCLA
Skills
- Narrative development
- Screenplay analysis
- Character development
- Visual storytelling
- Editing techniques
- Audience engagement
Awards And Affiliations
- Delacorte Yearling Prize Winner (Born to Fly)
- Walt Disney/ABC Fellowship Finalist (2x)
- Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators
- Motion Picture Editors Guild (IATSE Local 700)
Timeline
Feature Film Editor / Assistant Editor
Concorde/New Horizons
10.1998 - 06.2000
Novelist
Delacorte / Random House
Adjunct Professor – Screenwriting & Film
Cleveland State University
Adjunct Professor – Screenwriting & Film
Oberlin College
Adjunct Professor – English / ESL
Cuyahoga Community College
Network Television Censor
The WB Television Network
M.A. - Creative Writing / English (Honors)
California State University
B.F.A. - Film/Video
The Ohio State University
Screenwriting Certificate -
UCLA