Michael is available for cinematography speaking engagements, lectures and hands-on workshops.  Over the past five years, Michael has led engaging lectures and workshops at institutions such as York University, The University of Windsor, Fanshawe College, Toronto Media and Film College, The City Life Film Project, and WMMC / Raindance Toronto.  Known for his positive, conversational and pragmatic style, Michael has enjoyed high student and client satisfaction.

“It has been an immense pleasure to have MJD as a returning guest lecturer in Fanshawe College’s Advanced Filmmaking Program. He is always able to engage our students through his deep well of technical and industry knowledge, while instilling the passion he carries for his craft in the hearts of the students whom he clearly respects with the same
kind of professional attitude he holds for his creative collaborators. The energy he reserves to ‘give back’ to the next generation of filmmakers is inspiring.” – Charlie Egleston M.F.A., Professor, Advanced Filmmaking, School of Contemporary Media, Fanshawe College

“MJD is one of those guys who loves propping up up the next generation and bringing them along for the ride we all share. His passion for his trade is contagious, and in everything he does it is clear that he loves sharing his knowledge with those around him. His knowledge of both the field of cinematography and the various streams offilmmaking are broad and open to anyone who asks. The tricks of the trade I learned from him did not stop at camera and lighting, but life in the industry itself; stay mobile, stay savvy, stay hungry and sweat.” – Wiliam Andrews, Development – Hideaway Pictures / former student

“Michael’s knowledge of his craft and his ability to impart his expertise through practical and theory-based guidance was immediate.  Combining his earnest professionalism with a knack for tapping into that filmmaking energy that can rarely be duplicated outside of actually being on-set, Michael strived to teach us what he knows best, while seamlessly catering to our specific needs and as a classroom of evolving filmmakers.” – Jared Bratt, former student / filmmaker

Past guest lecture and hands-on workshop topics have included:

– Working with a cinematographer (for directors)
– Genre-based cinematography aesthetics
– Rehearsing and Blocking with Risa Bramon Garcia
– Anatomy of a Scene: Blocking, Lensing and Aspect Ratios
– Hands-on one-day intensive grip, lighting and camera
– RED Epic camera system – Building camera, exposing, settings, workflow
– RED One-MX camera system – Building camera, exposing, settings, workflow
– Advanced Cinematography

Call 1 (416) 277-5589 to discuss options for your college, university, collective or business. Private lessons are also available.