Meet Mike Winkler, a 34-year-old visionary filmmaker, who calls Olmsted Falls, Ohio his home, born on March 23rd, 1989, at Fairview Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, to parents Traci Winkler and Michael Napier, a union that unfortunately did not last, and his mother later found love again with Mark Wanyerka in 1993, solidifying a new family unit.
Mike's fascination with the world of cinema commenced at the tender age of five, sparked by the groundbreaking and iconic "Star Wars: A New Hope", a film that would forever alter the trajectory of his life. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his lifelong passion for filmmaking, a passion that would continue to evolve and flourish over the years.
As a young child, Mike's grandparents took him on a memorable outing to the now-defunct Berea theater, where he experienced the magic of the big screen for the very first time. The film that captured his attention was none other than "Jurassic Park", a cinematic masterpiece that left an indelible mark on his young mind.
What sets this particular cinematic experience apart from others is the fact that Mike was not only unafraid but also deeply captivated by the film's mesmerizing visuals and engaging storyline. This sense of wonder and awe would ultimately serve as a catalyst for his future endeavors in the world of filmmaking, as he sought to recreate the magic of that unforgettable experience on the big screen.
As the years went by, Mike's grandfather, Paul, made a thoughtful and significant gift to his young grandson, presenting him with his very first camcorder at the tender age of ten, thereby igniting the flame of creativity within him. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey, as Mike started to weave his own cinematic magic with his friends, crafting imaginative and action-packed films that showcased their shared love for kung fu and the iconic Star Wars franchise. Initially, Mike's aspirations lay in the realm of acting, with dreams of bringing characters to life on the big or small screen. However, as he delved deeper into the world of filmmaking, he began to discover a newfound passion, one that lay not in front of the camera, but rather behind it, where he could exercise his creative vision, guiding the narrative and orchestrating the scenes to unfold.
Mike's artistic journey underwent a significant transformation, as he began to conceive innovative ideas without the reliance on pre-written scripts. This newfound approach ultimately led him to embark on a mission to master the art of screenwriting, a pursuit that culminated in the development of his first original screenplay, "The Agency".
The production of the film commenced in August 2009, marking the beginning of a significant creative journey that would culminate in its release in January 2010. Subsequently, the visionary filmmaker went on to produce not one, but two additional sequels, thereby bringing the trilogy to a triumphant close in January 2011.
As the project evolved, the filmmaker's creative team underwent transformations, with various individuals contributing their unique perspectives and skills. Nevertheless, the filmmaker remained steadfast in his artistic vision, ultimately collaborating with two close friends, Stephanie Leonard and Jason Gorze, to bring his cinematic vision to life.
Noted author and filmmaker Mike has successfully concluded a trilogy of works, subsequently redirecting his creative energies towards the crafting of a gripping thriller, "Deceived", which made its debut in July. As he continues to hone his craft, Mike is presently engaged in the development of his latest endeavour, "Time Travelers", slated for a summer release. With a plethora of projects currently in various stages of production, Mike's long-term objective remains steadfastly focused on the creation of movies that not only captivate and engage audiences but also leave a lasting, inspirational impact.
Mike, a visionary filmmaker, has uttered a prophetic phrase that resonates with a sense of anticipation and promise, as he confidently declares, "This is only the beginning," suggesting that the most impressive and captivating chapters of his cinematic journey are yet to unfold, and that the world of filmmaking can expect to be treated to a dazzling array of innovative and captivating creations, which will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the industry and audiences alike.
