Michael Rohrbaugh lives to create content that inspires targeted action, engaging viewers by way of the gut, the heart, and the head. Harnessing media as tool for social change, his team's latest PSA champions global gay rights and helps drive donations to The Russia Freedom Fund, a tax-deductible vehicle for making financial contributions in support of the LGBT movement in Russia. Released online two days before The Sochi Winter Olympics, the piece quickly went viral, receiving nearly 1 million views, with worldwide coverage in The Huffington Post, RT, The Advocate, and PolicyMic.
Dedicated to empowering the world’s youth, Rohrbaugh spent part of 2013 living in Kenya and leading filmmaking workshops on behalf of Y-Fi Africa, a Google-funded Kenyan non-profit that seeks to inspire the next generation of African filmmakers. Outside the social justice arena, he commands nearly a decade of experience working as an editor/writer/producer in television on-air marketing with clients ranging from MTV Networks to The Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).
He received his bachelor’s degree from Yale University and his Master's in Fine Arts from The UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television. His award winning short, The Perfect Gentleman, played at festivals across the country, including The Newport Beach Film Festival and The Rochester International Film Festival. He is represented for television and theatrical work by Angelina Chen at Energy Entertainment.
angelina@energyentertainment.net / www.energyentertainment.net
DIRECTING / PRODUCING / EDITING:
The Fair Games Project / Los Angeles / 2014
A 2-minute Olympic-themed PSA protesting Russia’s anti-gay laws & LGBT oppression worldwide.
Produced by Berserk. Released in partnership with Pilot, The Russia Freedom Fund, and Athlete Ally.
Covered in The Huffington Post, Upworthy, and The Advocate.
New School Uniform / Los Angeles / 2013
A 2-minute “Back-to-School” PSA promoting sensible gun reform in America.
Produced by Berserk. Released in partnership with Moms Demand Action.
Covered in The Huffington Post, Upworthy, and The Advocate.
Day Trippers / Los Angeles / 2013
Produced by Take Part.
An 8-minute webisode pilot about post college life and career.
The Perfect Gentleman / Los Angeles / 2010
MFA Thesis film, produced at The UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television.
Selection at The Newport Beach FF, The Rochester Intl. FF, The Sedona Intl. FF, and The Ivy League FF.
WRITING / PRODUCING / EDITING:
The Style Network / On-Air Promos
/ Los Angeles
/ 2012 - 2013
Editor / Writer / Producer
Edited, wrote, and produced launch and episodic spots, promoting Style's original programming and brand.
Conceptualized and executed creative campaigns for air and online, including Style's biggest hit, Jerseylicious.
Several of my spots were selected as Style’s submissions for the 2012 Promax Awards.
The Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) / On-Air Promos / Los Angeles / 2011
Editor / Writer / Producer
Edited, wrote, and produced launch and episodic spots promoting OWN's original programming and brand.
Wrote cross-marketing treatments and pitches.
MTV Networks / On Air-Promos / New York / 2005 - 2006
Writer / Producer
Wrote and produced spots promoting MTV's original programming and brand.
Nick Jr. / On Air-Promos / New York / 2004 - 2005
Assistant to Creative Director of On-Air Promos
Tracked and facilitated workflow between producers, editors, graphic artists, and sound designers.
Managed deliverables and tape library.
EDUCATION:
The UCLA School of Film and Television / Los Angeles / 2006 - 2010
Master of Fine Arts
Directing / Production Track
Yale University / New Haven / 2000 - 2004
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences
Awarded three Ezra Stiles Sudler Grants to support works in film and photography.
AWARDS:
The Caucus Foundation Award / 2010
Awarded yearly to 7 - 10 MFA students selected from all the films schools in the nation.
Included a $6,000 cash prize to help cover production and post on The Perfect Gentleman.
The Deluxe Award / 2009
Awarded yearly to one MFA thesis student by Deluxe Film Lab.
Included free 35 mm film processing and a 35 mm screening print on The Perfect Gentleman.
The Charles and Lucille King Family Foundation Award / 2009
Awarded yearly to one UCLA MFA student.
Included a $9,000 cash prize to help cover production and post costs on The Perfect Gentleman.
The Mickey Dude Award / 2009
Awarded yearly to one UCLA MFA student.
Included a $2,500 cash prize to help cover the cost of film production / post on my MFA 2nd year advanced film.
The Hollywood Foreign Press Award / 2008
Awarded yearly to 5-6 UCLA MFA students.
Included a $9,000 cash prize to help cover the cost of film production / post on my MFA 2nd year advanced film.
Carl E. David Award / 2008
Awarded yearly to one UCLA MFA student.
Included a $2,000 cash prize to help cover the cost of film production / post on my MFA 2nd year advanced film.
SKILLS:
Final Cut Pro, AVID Media Composer, After Effects, Photoshop