Michael Cordell, an accomplished and esteemed Australian producer and director, has built a remarkable portfolio of projects that demonstrate his exceptional versatility and adaptability, effortlessly navigating a diverse array of genres and mediums, and accumulating a multitude of prestigious awards and accolades.
Cordell, a multifaceted individual with a profound impact on the television industry, held the esteemed position of Executive Producer and writer for the revolutionary and highly acclaimed format "Go Back to Where You Came From" on SBS. This pioneering project not only showcased Cordell's remarkable creative vision but also earned him far-reaching recognition and accolades, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the world of television production.
The television series in question, renowned for its unparalleled ambition, reached unprecedented heights of success when it was adapted into a live format in the year 2018.
Michael's extensive list of credits stretches far beyond his leadership role in the 2013 production "The Great Mint Swindle" and his involvement in the widely acclaimed drama "House of Hancock", which achieved the distinction of becoming Nine's highest-rated drama in 2015.
In addition, Michael has also fulfilled the role of Executive Producer on the captivating drama "House of Bond", a Nine Network production that delves into the intriguing life of the enigmatic Alan Bond.
Furthermore, Michael co-developed and Executive Produced the long-running and award-winning factual series "Bondi Rescue", which has enjoyed a remarkable 17-season run to date.
Michael's impressive career trajectory has seen him take on a pivotal role in spearheading the creation and execution of a vast array of factual programs, thereby showcasing his exceptional skillset and adaptability as a producer.
One of the most notable productions in this category is a documentary titled "Cruising - The Biggest Storm", which has garnered significant attention due to its captivating storytelling and in-depth exploration of its subject matter.
Michael's involvement in the production of "The Obesity Myth" was a significant milestone in his career, as the documentary series premiered on SBS and went on to generate a substantial amount of buzz and discussion about the pressing issues surrounding health and wellness.
Notably, this individual played a pivotal role in the creation of "Revolution School", a documentary series that made its television debut on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC).
Michael's impressive professional portfolio boasts a diverse range of creative endeavors, with a notable highlight being the widely acclaimed documentary "Kebab Kings". This captivating film, which premiered on the esteemed SBS network, expertly weaves together a rich tapestry of cultural, culinary, and community elements to create a truly immersive viewing experience. As audiences tuned in, they were treated to a delightful exploration of the intersection of food, culture, and community, showcasing the vibrant diversity of the world around us.
Michael, as Executive Producer, played a pivotal role in spearheading the creation of the thought-provoking documentary series "Muslims Like Us" and "Christians Like Us", which boldly confronted intricate and contemporary issues with tact, subtlety, and a steadfast dedication to cultivating increased comprehension and compassion.
Michael's esteemed and distinguished portfolio as an Executive Producer at SBS showcases a vast array of captivating and intriguing productions that have garnered widespread attention and acclaim. Notable highlights within this impressive body of work include the thought-provoking and engaging series "Shitsville Express!", which has been praised for its nuanced exploration of complex themes and ideas, as well as the humorous and entertaining program "Dumb, Drunk and Racist", which has been celebrated for its lighthearted and comedic approach to storytelling.
Michael's impressive portfolio extends far beyond his successful endeavors in television comedy, as he has also made substantial contributions to the creation of groundbreaking court series, consistently demonstrating his remarkable adaptability and profound understanding of the industry.
Michael, a renowned television personality, has not only been the driving force behind the production of "On Trial", a groundbreaking documentary series that delves into the intricate complexities of the Australian legal system, but has also been instrumental in bringing to life "Court Justice", a captivating program that offers an unparalleled glimpse into the inner workings of Australia's largest magistrates' court.
Notable credits have garnered significant attention and acclaim, with a particular highlight being the gripping and thought-provoking true crime series "Wanted", which aired on the esteemed network Ten, thereby showcasing the writer's exceptional skill in crafting engaging narratives that captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.
This series, in particular, demonstrated the writer's ability to weave together intricate storylines, crafting a narrative that was both informative and entertaining, ultimately resulting in a captivating viewing experience that resonated with audiences.
The success of "Wanted" can be attributed to the writer's exceptional skill in crafting engaging narratives, which allowed them to effectively convey the complexities and nuances of the true crime stories being told, thereby drawing in viewers and keeping them invested in the outcome.
Through this series, the writer has established themselves as a master of their craft, with a unique ability to balance fact and fiction, creating a narrative that is both informative and entertaining.
As a result, "Wanted" has become a notable credit in the writer's portfolio, garnering significant attention and acclaim, and cementing their reputation as a skilled and talented writer.
The writer's remarkable portfolio is characterized by the inclusion of a documentary feature film, specifically "JFK: The Smoking Gun", which is a testament to their meticulous research and production skills. This documentary feature film is a meticulously researched and produced work that delves into the complexities of one of the most significant and enduring mysteries of the 20th century, namely the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
The writer's remarkable career has been marked by a profound and lasting influence, as exemplified by their noteworthy contributions to the enduring and immensely popular television series "Two Men...", which initially premiered on the esteemed Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and has since become an integral component of the network's programming schedule.
Throughout its extensive run, this critically acclaimed show has garnered widespread acclaim for its sharp, clever dialogue, nuanced character development, and masterfully crafted narratives, all of which have been skillfully interwoven by the writer and their fellow creative collaborators.
Michael, a highly accomplished and experienced director, has had the distinct privilege of overseeing the production of numerous documentary features throughout his remarkable and illustrious career.
One of his most notable projects is "Three Boys Dreaming", a deeply poignant and thought-provoking film that skillfully sheds light on the aspirations and struggles of young Indigenous footballers as they valiantly chase their dreams.
Moreover, Michael has also had the opportunity to direct "Music and Murder", a gripping and intense documentary that delves into the lives of three convicted murderers, offering a candid and unflinching look at the complexities and motivations behind their actions, providing a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the human experience.
Michael's early years in the industry were characterized by a significant milestone, which was the production and direction of a one-hour documentary titled "Franklin Wild River". This documentary was notable for featuring a young Bob Brown, who was still in his formative years at the time. Moreover, Michael's work on this project demonstrated his ability to craft engaging and informative content. Additionally, his work on another documentary, "Dykes on Bikes", for the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS),showcased his versatility as a filmmaker and his capacity to tackle a wide range of subjects.
Cordell Jigsaw Zapruder, a visionary entrepreneur, embarked on a thrilling professional journey, forging a dynamic partnership with the talented producer Nick Murray. This formidable duo's impressive accomplishments in the entertainment industry culminated in the prestigious recognition of being crowned SPAA Independent Producer of the Year in 2016, a testament to their unwavering dedication, innovative spirit, and exceptional skill.
CJZ, a renowned production company of considerable stature, holds a substantial share in Greenstone, a New Zealand-based production entity, renowned for its remarkable ability to produce a diverse array of captivating and thought-provoking titles. This esteemed production company, responsible for bringing a plethora of mesmerizing productions to the forefront, has been instrumental in creating a wide range of captivating and intriguing projects.
Their extensive portfolio comprises a diverse range of captivating productions, including the biting satire "The EX PM", which showcases their exceptional comedic prowess.
In addition, they have been involved in the creation of the highly acclaimed lifestyle show "Home Delivery with Julia Zamiro", which has garnered a significant following and critical acclaim.
Furthermore, their impressive body of work includes the informative and engaging consumer affairs program "Gruen", which has become a staple of contemporary television.
Their portfolio also boasts the humorous and entertaining sketch comedy "The Checkout", which has been praised for its clever writing and impressive comedic performances.
Moreover, they have been involved in the production of the comedy series "You're Skitting Me", which has become a beloved favorite among audiences and critics alike.
Finally, their work also includes the thought-provoking documentary "Pauline Hanson - Please Explain!", which has sparked important conversations and has been widely praised for its insightful exploration of complex issues.
