Richard Bellis, a talented individual, began his journey in the entertainment industry as a child actor, making appearances in both films and television shows until the tender age of twelve. At this pivotal point, he made the decision to shift his focus towards the world of music, thereby abandoning his acting career. Following his high school graduation, Bellis took on the role of musical director for the esteemed touring production of the popular rock-and-roll showcase Shindig! in the year 1964. Prior to this, he had spent time working alongside the renowned singer Johnny Mathis and dedicated a decade to arranging and conducting for several prominent Las Vegas headliners.
Ten years had elapsed, and by the year 1976, Bellis had made the deliberate decision to abandon his journey as a musician and instead dedicate himself to composing scores for films on a permanent basis.
Throughout his illustrious career, Bellis has accomplished numerous notable feats, including but not limited to, being awarded an Emmy for his outstanding work on the score of the iconic film, Stephen King's It, in the year 1990.
In addition to this remarkable achievement, Bellis has also received Emmy nominations for his exceptional work on HBO's Doublecrossed in 1991 and ABC's Double, Double Toil and Trouble in 1993, a testament to his remarkable talent and dedication to his craft.
Notably, beyond his remarkable achievements in film scoring, Michael Bellis has concurrently held a multitude of distinguished positions, underscoring his multifaceted impact on the music industry.
Notably, he served as the esteemed past president of the Society of Composers and Lyricists, a position that has allowed him to wield significant influence and shape the direction of the industry.
Furthermore, for an impressive 17-year period, Bellis has been a member of the faculty at the University of Southern California, where he has had the privilege of lecturing in the esteemed Scoring for Television and Motion Pictures program.
Through his lectures, he has had the opportunity to share his expertise and knowledge with aspiring musicians and composers, playing a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of talented individuals in the industry.
As a respected and influential figure within the music industry, Bellis has taken on the esteemed role of host and mentor within ASCAP's prestigious annual Film Scoring Workshop, where he has had the privilege of guiding and inspiring a new wave of talented and ambitious film composers, shaping the future of the industry and leaving a lasting impact on the lives of these young and aspiring artists.
