Michael Pugliese(I)

Michael Joseph Pugliese is a film maker from Toronto, Canada. Michael has a passion for film and his love for film is evident immediately, as he shows this naturally. Michael started performing as a child, landing roles in a number of commercials and independent films such as "Motives & Murders" (2012), "The Meeting" (2013) and "What's the use?" (2015). As the years went on, Michael continued to grow as a performer, studying at Toronto and LA performing studios, finding his way to build his craft.

While his love continued to grow, Michael began writing screenplays. He wasn't pleased with the job opportunities that he was booking and decided to create his own. As time went on, Michael completed a dozen screenplays, from shorts to features. He began developing screenplays with a close friend, Prem Singh, who shares the same passion for film.

Michael, along side Prem Singh, created and Co-Founded Running Tiger Films. Their production company developed "Downsizing" (2014) and "Occupants" (2015), both of which Michael starred in as the lead. Their most recent feature completed is "Tiger" (2018), directed by Alister Grierson. Michael and Prem co-wrote Tiger and starred alongside Academy Award Nominee Mickey Rourke and the star of Pretty Little Liars, Janel Parrish. Released in theatres November 30th, 2018.

While on set of Tiger, Michael grew an interest for directing as he shadowed Alister, who taught him the way. As soon as Tiger wrapped, Michael was on a mission - to direct his first picture. As a few months went by, Michael found himself behind a monitor on the set of "Chiaroscuro" (2017), which he wrote, produced and had his directorial debut with.

Whether it's in front of the camera or behind, Michael's passion and love for film making will continue to grow as the years go on.