Michael John Slee, a distinguished British television documentary producer/director, film-maker, and writer, was born on August 23, 1959, in the charming town of Windlesham, located in the picturesque county of Surrey. As a creative individual with a passion for art and design, Slee pursued his academic interests at Kingston University, where he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of his chosen field. His academic endeavors culminated in the attainment of a first-class honors degree in Photography, Film, and TV from the prestigious London College of Printing, a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication.
Slee's professional accolades in the industry commenced with the direction of renowned historian James Burke in the 1989 ACE Award-winning PBS documentary series "After the Warming", a groundbreaking production that boldly addressed the pressing and timely issue of global warming through the innovative utilization of cutting-edge virtual reality computer simulations, a testament to Slee's visionary approach to storytelling and his ability to effectively convey complex scientific concepts to a wide audience.
He embarked on a new creative endeavour, teaming up with Burke to develop a 20-part television series titled "Connections 2" for the popular cable network TLC.
By the year 1997, Slee had established himself as a trailblazer in the field of large screen IMAX filmmaking, playing a pivotal role in the conception and direction of two groundbreaking projects. Firstly, he co-devised and directed "Wildfire - Feel the Heat", a captivating documentary that premiered on the Discovery Channel, captivating audiences with its awe-inspiring visuals and gripping narrative.
In addition to his work on "Wildfire", Slee also collaborated with the Strathclyde European Partnership to bring "The Legend of Loch Lomond" to life. This ambitious project showcased the breathtaking beauty of Loch Lomond, one of Scotland's most iconic natural wonders, and its rich cultural heritage. Through his tireless efforts, Slee solidified his reputation as a master of large-scale filmmaking, pushing the boundaries of what was possible on the big screen.
In the year 2003, Slee embarked on a creative endeavor, co-writing and directing the ambitious project "BUGS 3D!", a natural history drama that leveraged the immersive capabilities of IMAX 3D technology, boasting a substantial budget of $9 million.
This cinematic masterpiece was fortunate enough to receive the esteemed narration of the renowned actress Judi Dench, whose distinctive voice brought the film's intricate narrative to life.
As a testament to the film's exceptional quality, "BUGS 3D!" earned a prestigious recognition, being named a semi-finalist at the esteemed 2004 Oscars, a notable achievement that solidified its status as a standout in the world of filmmaking.
Furthermore, the film received the GSTA Lifelong Learning Honor in the same year, a recognition that acknowledged its impact on the field of education and its ability to inspire a love of learning in audiences of all ages.
Slee's impressive directing credits extend beyond his notable achievements, also boasting a 2005 British television program titled "The Gunpowder Plot: Exploding The Legend", a documentary series that delved into the fascinating historical event of the same name.
Furthermore, Slee's repertoire of work includes the feature film "Meerkat Manor: The Story Begins", a captivating narrative that premiered in 2008, with the esteemed Whoopi Goldberg lending her voice as the narrator. This cinematic masterpiece received recognition at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival, solidifying Slee's position as a respected and accomplished director in the industry.
