Client & Colleague Testimonials

Chris J. Russo

Director, LADY BUDS. Head of Post Production at Kin Community

November 7, 2023 - Chris J. managed Michael directly

Michael was the lead Producer on the feature documentary, 'Lady Buds,' and my primary creative collaborator through the multi-year journey of making the film. As a talented storyteller, he was instrumental in developing the narrative arc of the film, and an exceptional creative problem solver always full of ideas when we had to figure out imaginative ways to piece the story together in the editing room.

Jenn Procacci

Co Founder & Cultivator at WildLand Cannabis

January 11, 2024 - Jenn worked with Michael but they were at different companies

Michael is a fearless and tenacious leader who puts his heart and soul behind his endeavors. I worked with Michael for a number of years as a member of The Mendocino Cannabis Alliance, during which he was the Executive Director. During that time, he worked tirelessly to support my small brand, as well as the small brands of my community members, and successfully created pathways for market access that helped my brand survive during extremely challenging economic and political conditions.

Sarah Justine Woodhouse

Marketing Executive at Netflix

February 4, 2012 - Sarah Justine worked with Michael but on different teams

Michael Katz and I work together at The Ant Farm, producing several graphic heavy jobs. Working with Michael allows me to find serenity in the chaotic world of advertising. Even with his full plate, Michael is able to execute wants successfully, on time and within budget. It's nice to know I can leave big, detailed asks in his hands and he sees to it that they are taken care of.

Genine Coleman

Executive Director of Origins Council

January 22, 2024 - Genine worked with Michael but they were at different companies

Michael Katz significantly elevates every team and project he is a part of. He is passion driven in his work and a consummate professional. Naturally a team player, Michael is collaborative and committed to generating positive community impact through his work. Michael has a brilliant mind for marketing and communications and understands the nuances of building and retaining audiences, be they consumers, policy makers or the business community. Michael leads from the heart and has a wonderful sense of humor. He is thoughtful, intelligent and dedicated, and he has been an absolute pleasure to work with.

Melissa Palazzo-Hart

Collective Intelligence Optimzer | Board Advisor | Executive Coach | M&A | YPO

March 11, 2014 - Melissa managed Michael directly

Michael did an excellent job running a best in class division for me. I really enjoyed working with him and his joie de vivre. He is an extremely positive guy and his ability to motivate others is unique. He is great at developing strategy and working with the best teams to execute on that strategy. Katz is able to see the big picture, articulate it and make it happen.

Lindsey Renner

Owner at Native Humboldt Farms

October 16, 2023 - Lindsey worked with Michael but they were at different companies

I had the pleasure of working closely with Michael Katz during our time in the cannabis industry, and I can wholeheartedly say that he has been a tremendous force for our community. Michael, was the creator and operator of The Emerald Exchange, and has consistently shown unwavering support for craft cannabis and the Emerald Triangle. Michael Katz went above and beyond as an advisor and supporter, helping us open doors that would have otherwise remained closed.

Tim Blake

Founder of The Emerald Cup; CEO Emerald Cup Holdings, LLC; Author of Book & TV Series

January 18, 2024 - Tim worked with Michael but they were at different companies

My name is Tim Blake. I'm the founder and the producer of the Emerald Cup. I've been involved in cannabis for over 50 years. Needless to say, I've pretty much seen it all.

Steve Beaudet

Photographer (Lifestyle, Pharma, Hospitality, Cruise, People, Pharma, Travel)

June 26, 2009 - Steve worked with Michael but they were at different companies

For most of my career, I produced large scale print shoots for national consumer advertising. Over the last few years, I've stepped back behind the camera, but never found a producer who I trusted to produce a shoot with the detail, enthusiasm and professionalism as I did... until I met Michael. Once I got the see Michael in action, I was able to focus totally on the creative, knowing that all production details would be attended to and the clients would be happy and well taken care of.

Jason Horst

Business Litigation Attorney | Mediator | Resolving Disputes Involving Contracts, Technology, Real Estate, & Trademarks | Leading Litigator & Advisor to Emerging Industry

October 19, 2023 - Michael was Jason's client

I feel blessed to have been able to call Michael a friend for more than 25 years. Throughout that time, I have been ever impressed by his sincerity, his commitment to what he believes in, and his ability to push himself and those he works with to do what is necessary to succeed. Michael is as knowledgeable, passionate, and fierce an advocate as there is in today's California cannabis industry. Dozens of Mendocino farmers owe their continued ability to participate in the licensed market to the successful advocacy of Michael and MCA.

Lucas Christman

Creative Director

March 7, 2012 - Lucas reported directly to Michael

Katz is leading the department into the future with vigor. With his leadership, we are breaking creative and technical ground quickly through many new and exciting projects. His management style and philosophies create a super fun and efficient workplace. Even under pressure and tight deadlines, Michael is always cool and collected with quick solutions to whatever challenges we face. Above all else, plain and simple, he's just a good guy. It has been a pleasure working with Michael and I very much hope to continue growing the department with him well into the future.

Lonnie Silberling

Big Picture Marketing Leader #Videogames #Community

March 14, 2014 - Lonnie worked with Michael on the same team

In an industry where creatives can be faced with projects that involve impossible timelines, multiple clients, with flexible staffing and budgetary challenges, Michael Katz is a man who can clear the noise... and get it done. As a producer and a creative partner he is tops and he basically lives and breathes his work. Like, it's a little rediculous how passionate he is about it.

Arya Senboutaraj

Creative/Creator

July 27, 2011 - Arya reported directly to Michael

Michael is a pleasure to work with. He has a great positive attitude that makes a fast paced and stressful environment easier to work in (these are two factors that are part and parcel with the business we are in). Michael comes from the world of live action producing, which I believe gives him a great advantage over traditionally trained motion graphics producers and heads of departments at motion graphics companies. Where I have seen 'senior' level people at other companies panic and create problems rather than solutions, I have not seen this at The Ant Farm while Michael has been running it.

Ryan Vickers

Co-Head of Games at Aspect (Los Angeles)

March 4, 2014 - Ryan worked with Michael but on different teams

I worked with Michael very closely at The Ant Farm for over 3 years. When I first started with the company I worked for Michael and he taught a lot of the skills that I utilize today as a Senior Producer. Even when I moved to a different branch of the company, Michael was always a great mentor and a friend. I would highly recommend Michael as not only did he always go above and beyond, but he is an amazing colleague to work with.

Veronica Lombardo

Manager & Representative

June 29, 2009 - Veronica worked with Michael but they were at different companies

Michael and I have worked together over the years on various commercial, music video, and mixed media projects. I have to say that Michael is not only a lovely person to collaborate with, but has a unique understanding of how to communicate with various types of individuals in order to bring out the best in them. I enjoy working with Michael because he is honest, forthcoming, and tries to do the best job he can on every project. I strongly suggest him to any company or client as he is a truly valued individual.

Brian Applegarth

CLIO Award-Winning Travel Innovator & Visitor Economy Strategist | Founder of the Cannabis Travel Association Int'l, Applegarth Strategies, and The Cannabis Trail

October 16, 2023 - Brian worked with Michael but they were at different companies

Michael is a results driven leader with a passion for community. His think global, act local mindset sets him apart. As Executive Director of the Mendocino Cannabis Alliance, Michael has been great to work with. If you get a chance to work with him do it, he's a dependable and valued addition to any team.

Cole Darby

VFX Associate Producer @ 20th Century Studios

March 7, 2014 - Cole reported directly to Michael

I had the pleasure to collaborate with and assist Michael on a few projects at The Ant Farm before his departure. There were a few things I observed in my time working with him. He put together a very positive work environment and it was clear to me that his team felt very supported from the leadership Michael provided. Keeping his creative team happy and making sure they had what the needed enabled him to get the best work from them possible which of course makes the clients happy as well.

Scott Carson

Head of games at Buddha Jones

March 6, 2014 - Scott was senior to Michael but didn't manage Michael directly

Working with my Michael at Ant Farm was great. I could always count on Michael as a passionate partner in solving issues that inevitably arise during graphics production.

Michael Kelley

Creative Director at Michael Kelley Motion Graphics, Multi-Day Guide at REI, Lecturer at Otis College of Art and Design

March 5, 2014 - Michael reported directly to Michael

Michael is and excellent producer and leader. He empowers his creatives to do great work and makes sure they have all the support they need. Michael's laid back but focused management style makes it a pleasure to work for him.

Andy Solomon

EVP at Big Picture Entertainment, LLC

February 24, 2014 - Andy was senior to Michael but didn't manage Michael directly

I've worked alongside Michael for over 3 years. He brings incredible passion to every job he works on, is a great manager and collaborator, and can always figure out a way to work within a budget.

Diego Seferian

Visual Effects Generalist

February 22, 2014 - Diego reported directly to Michael

Michael is an excellent supervisor. He has a very positive and respectful attitude and is a pleasure to work with.

Jefferson Ballew

ART DIRECTOR, DESIGNER AND ANIMATOR / 2D & 3D MOTION GRAPHICS

January 12, 2012 - Jefferson reported directly to Michael

I have really enjoyed working with Michael on more then one occasion, he's got a great and positive attitude and knows how to bring out the best in the people around him.

Rob Troy

Managing Director/Co-Founder at Maqiin

December 13, 2011 - Rob was senior to Michael but didn't manage Michael directly

Michael is a an excellent division and project director. His deep experience, organizational skills, and leadership qualities are all top notch. I look forward to working on more projects with him in the future.

Lisa James- Telles

Freelance Producer, Creative, Writer, Consultant at The Meraki Effect

August 11, 2011 - Lisa worked with Michael on the same team

Mr. Katz is such a pleasure to work with! His high level of professionalism and knowledge of graphic production ensures ease with every project. But perhaps most refreshing, is his honesty and humor. Be rest-assured that your final product will be exactly to your expectation... and that you'll participate in plenty of laughs getting there. He is a clear asset to any team.

Jon Wright

Creative Production Expert | Strategic Storyteller | Transforming Business Goals into Unforgettable Content Experiences

August 11, 2011 - Jon worked with Michael on the same team

Michael is an excellent manager of expectations. He has always provided our team with AAA creative and never missed a deadline.

JR Soldano

Director & Producer specializing in Concept Development, Writing, Creative Strategy for Marketing & Entertainment | Comedy, Documentary, Promotions

July 5, 2011 - JR worked with Michael on the same team

Michael is a thru and thru professional who flat out knows his stuff. I have had the extreme pleasure of working with Michael directly, and he consistently exhibits creative problem solving, true expertise in all aspects of motion graphics, extreme organization and, most importantly, a level head under the most demanding circumstances. All that aside, he's a joy to work with—keeping things light and fun no matter how intense the situation. I cannot recommend Michael enough for any endeavor. He's a valuable asset to any team.

Fede Ponce

Director | UX & UI | Human centered design | Product Strategy | Mobility | AI

June 16, 2011 - Fede reported directly to Michael

I have had the pleasure of working with Michael a few times. In this hectic indsutry it is a breath of fresh air to work with Michael. As a supervisor he is one of the most calm, patient and well organized people I have ever worked with. Not only are his time management skills superv, but his ability to multi task and manage several projects at the same time is unique. He has a friendly attitude and he creates a terrific atmosphere in his department.

Banks Farris

Netflix Creative Marketing - UCAN Slate

June 16, 2011 - Banks worked with Michael but on different teams

Working with Mr Katz was a pleasure to say the least. He helms a department that comes with a stigma of inherent stress and hardship. Keeping dozens of complex graphics projects moving forward and delivering on time and on budget is his specialty. Michael has a good eye for talent in the motion graphics and animation industry. I have never once seen him loose his cool that he is known far and wide to uphold for no matter what the issue may be. He is a good balance of creative energy and managerial leadership.

Chip Houghton

Managing Director, Imaginary Forces

December 13, 2010 - Chip was Michael's client

Michael has worked as a live action producer for Imaginary Forces many times over the years. We have brought him in on some very challenging live action shoots, and he has consistently delivered. Michael assembles a top production team, works well with both our directors and clients, and understands the importance of delivering a project on time and on budget while maintaining the creative goals. Michael did not pay me large amounts of money nor lavish me with expensive gifts for this endorsement, although I wait patiently by my mailbox every day for a special package from him...

Gregg Dallesandro

Partner / Head of Commercial & Music Video Department

July 15, 2009 - Gregg worked with Michael but they were at different companies

I have worked with Michael over the last 5 years. In his capacity as a freelance producer his work is impeccable. I would recommend him to anyone who is looking for a hard working, honest and fiscally responsible individual.

Raul Celaya

Production, Media Exec & Operations Strategist

July 7, 2009 - Raul worked with Michael but they were at different companies

Michael, is a hard working and enthusiastic colleague with great ideas and strong production skills.

Keith Bryant

Freelance Producer

July 2, 2009 - Keith was Michael's client

Michael is an excellent producer whose expertise and made it possible to deliver extremely high production value on more than a few projects with challenging budgets. His soup-to-nuts knowledge of commercials, music videos, and features make him a valuable asset.

Steiner Kierce

Hardware Producer

June 26, 2009 - Steiner was Michael's client

Michael sets the benchmark for me when I look for live-action producers who are also knowledgeable of motion graphics, animation, and VFX integration. He has a great crew that he works with regularly and can put together a project from start to finish. He's a great guy to collaborate on any size project with.

Gary Bryman

Executive Producer RØCKET

June 26, 2009 - Gary worked with Michael but they were at different companies

Michael has a ferocious work ethic, a comprehensive understanding of both small details and big picture goals, and the know-how to execute effectively and efficiently for the desired results. He is an asset on any project.

Ismael Obregon

Futurist/Founder, Oishii Creative - Dare to Inspire.

June 25, 2009 - Ismael managed Michael directly

Michael is a great asset to any project, team or organization. His producer approach is superb and efficient. Unbeatable client management skills and an overall great guy.

Nir Bashan

Bestselling Author | Keynote Speaker | Creative Innovation Leader | West Ham United fan

June 25, 2009 - Nir worked with Michael on the same team

Michael Katz is one of the best Producers I have ever worked with. He has the unusual balance of not only great attention to detail and fiscal responsibility but also is incredible creative as well. His support and understanding for the creative process is second to none, making working with him a true pleasure.

Ben Apley

Executive Producer at Alma Mater

June 25, 2009 - Ben managed Michael directly

Michael has the unique combination of resourcefulness, professionalism, and reliability. He's a great person to work with in any capacity.

Alethea Root Dufraine

Director Producer CEO at TRUTH 13 PRODUCTIONS

January 5, 2009 - Alethea reported directly to Michael

Michael is the kind of producer who puts his whole self into each project. He asks his crew to do the same, thus producing the very highest quality of work. His enthusiasm and commitment to his projects is contagious and it is hard not to go above and beyond for him.

Neil Maiers

Director of Sales - Repris Wines, Texture Wines, Pangloss Cellars

October 20, 2008 - Neil worked with Michael on the same team

Michael has an undeniable work ethic; a top shelf pro.

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