Gerald T. Olson, a distinguished individual, emerged from his alma mater, San Francisco State University, with a wealth of knowledge and experience, which served as a solid foundation for his subsequent professional endeavors. His career began as a Production Assistant, playing a vital role in the production of numerous children's television movies and feature films, under the watchful eye and guidance of the esteemed industry legend, Roger Corman.
Olson's illustrious career as a First Assistant Director boasts an extensive and distinguished filmography, boasting a plethora of notable productions that have left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape. Among the many films that have benefited from his expert guidance and meticulous attention to detail, several stand out as particularly noteworthy, including the classic 1970s beach party film "Malibu Beach", the 1980s action-comedy "The Lady in Red", the 1980 drama "Outside Chance", and the 1979 punk rock-infused teen comedy "Rock 'n' Roll High School", which featured the iconic and influential punk rock band The Ramones in a memorable performance.
Upon being formally inducted into the prestigious Directors Guild of America, a revered organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the art of filmmaking, Olson embarked on a pivotal career milestone by taking on the role of Assistant Director on the highly acclaimed Buck Rogers television series, thereby gaining valuable hands-on experience and refining his skills within the dynamic and ever-evolving realm of television production.
Olson's cinematic journey continued with a transition back to feature films, where he embarked on a creative endeavour of producing an independent horror film, namely Bloody Birthday, in a collaborative effort with a seasoned veteran in the film production industry, Max J. Rosenberg.
As a testament to his remarkable accomplishments, Olson's impressive tenure as Associate Producer on the cult classic Repo Man laid the groundwork for his subsequent appointment as Director of Production by the esteemed HBO network.
Notably, Michael Olson made a significant impact by re-cutting the HBO movie Fortress, thereby further establishing his credentials and demonstrating his impressive proficiency in the television industry, a testament to his remarkable talent and expertise in the field.
Notably, following his stint at HBO, Olson made a pivotal career move by accepting a prominent position at New Line Cinema, ascending to the role of Vice President of Production. In this capacity, he was entrusted with overseeing the entire production slate, thereby exercising significant influence over the trajectory of the company's creative endeavors. Additionally, Olson also took on the responsibilities of a Producer, further amplifying his impact on the film industry.
Olson's professional trajectory has been marked by a steady ascent, as he has transitioned into the role of Producer for prominent studios and television networks, both within the United States and internationally, thereby reinforcing his esteemed reputation as a seasoned and accomplished industry expert, boasting a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the inner workings of the entertainment industry.
Olson's professional repertoire extends far beyond the realm of film and television, as he has also demonstrated his impressive range by directing several episodes of the iconic TV series Freddy's Nightmares, a testament to his ability to excel in various creative contexts. Furthermore, his experience as a second unit director on numerous feature films and television movies has allowed him to hone his skills and showcase his adaptability as a filmmaker, consistently pushing the boundaries of his craft and solidifying his reputation as a master of his trade.
