MBlumProd
Michael A. Blum - Writer/Executive Producer
Raised in New Jersey. Film schooled at Northwestern University. Internationally experienced production and development executive, Blum is comfortable with multi-formats, genres and cultures. Blum is a versatile writer, savvy media strategist, transmedia content creator and deal maker. He has won awards for programming, branding, promotions and public awareness.
Award Winning Expertise on Call
Recent credits include: "50 Central" Variety/Comedy on BET Networks (24 Eps.) and "American Hustlers" business reality pilot on A&E. Premiere EP/Showrunner/Writer, 60+ episodes, specials, music videos for A&E's, Criss Angel-Mindfreak. Multiple projects with: AEG, BUNIM-MURRAY, MCI, HBO, USA, AOL, REGENCY, YAHOO, TRIO, PBS - KLCS, WAMI-TV, E! NETWORKS, BON JOVI.
Production Services
Creative writing, scripts, proposals and presentations. Budgeting, scheduling, project management. Executive and creative oversight of series, specials and LIVE events. Department head for start ups, launches, program slates with prior build out experience launching production studios in Miami, Las Vegas, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta.
Industry Insider Interview
Michael A. Blum Interview - Page 2
How did you know you’d be good at producing?
I discovered I was mentally ambidextrous with right and left-brain skills, math and verbal, with abilities to paint the “big picture” while attending to the smallest of details. I instinctively preferred order to chaos and became adept at bringing chaos to order. The question was, who gets paid to do that? Definitely “the producer.”
What was your "Big Break?"
Every break feels big… And I’ve been fortunate to have numerous. My earliest came from Michael Jackson. I had co-founded Magic Casting, Hollywood’s first computerized casting agency. My partner and I had bought a “dating agency” computer database program and had it modified it to cross reference 130 search fields related to casting. We were contracted on the world’s most expensive music video and first ever shot in 3D, “Captain EO and the Space Knights.” They needed an exact fit body double for Michael Jackson. I got to observe George Lucas producing and Francis Coppola directing. It was a huge credit and helped propel my first business to some success. My most recent break was when Criss Angel did not get along with his network approved showrunners and chose me to run “Mindfreak” for the first three seasons instead.
Michael A. Blum Interview - Page 3
Career path?
My career has not been a linear path. If my career were painted, it would be more Jackson Pollack or Miro than Mondrian. From producing jumbo LED screen productions at live events and concerts for Regency, Bon Jovi and HBO to line producing the Ruiz-Holyfield fight in Beijing, China with Don King to producing comedy and sports specials at the launch of Barry Diller’s WAMI in Miami, I’ve seen my job history develop into a collage of amazing and diverse professional experiences.
Eureka moment? (when you realized you did or did not want to do something or that you should do something differently):
I was hired by India-based UTV Intl. to live/work/produce and build studios in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. For almost three years, Iearned a whole other “Eastern” approach to production, project hiring and scheduling, multi-cultural small group dynamics and stress management. Producing in English in the US can be hard. Producing in Tamil, Bhasa and Mandarin in Asia, is beyond hard. Twelve original series and 2 TV Asia Awards later, it was one of the most invaluable experiences I’ve had. (Remembering David Levy’s sign also helped!)
Describe a typical workday in your current position?
There is no typical workday other than that they start and finish by checking emails, texts, faxes, and voicemails and responding to them in multiple time zones. However, there are distinct periods in the monthly work life cycle, such as pre-production, production, post production, and hiatus.
Worst job (or day) in entertainment industry?
When people I am working with lie, cheat, steal, don’t pay their bills, abuse their positions, their co-workers, their vendors. And also days dealing with those who spread negative karma or gossip.
Best job (or day) in entertainment industry?
Every day is a good day when you are healthy and working at something you love to do.
Michael A. Blum Inteview - Page 4
Best thing about your current job?
Personal, professional and creative freedom! Independence! And never bored!
Brush with greatness? (can be a celebrity encounter or just being exposed to someone being brilliant at what they do):
I have gotten to work with some legendary artists who are driven and complicated and difficult but still their talents are inspiring and cannot be denied. I’ve especially enjoyed the musicians I’ve gotten to meet, from the Stones to Sinatra.
Secret of your success/advice to the newbie?
Follow your passions. Trust your gut instincts. Play to your strengths. And always remember, There are few problems that some combination of time, talent, money and/or luck can’t resolve.
Next move?
The TV business is morphing into the branded “content” business. Programming is being delivered in multiple formats on a variety of media platforms that are also shifting rapidly. Computers becoming smart phones. Phones becoming TV’s.
The barrier of entry to producing new content has been made globally democratic. Teens in high school are selling TV pilots off of smart phones and college students have access to full production studios. The world has access to global distribution via You Tube. The competition is getting harder and the number of self generated products over-crowded. One trip to a MAC store and anyone can become an “instant Spielberg.”
Still, at the end of the day, there will be still be great stories to be told. True talent and performances will stand out. Content will still be King.
