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Judges
Michael O. Sajbel
Michael's most recent film, "THE ULTIMATE GIFT," was released nationally March 2007 by Fox Faith Films. Based on the novel by Jim Stovall, it stars James Garner, Brian Dennehy, Drew Fuller, Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine) and others. The film tells the story of a Grandfather (Garner) leaving a gift to his grandson (Drew Fuller), but only if he can successfully complete 12 tasks that change his character. It was shot on location in Charlotte, NC.
One very favorable review stated "...its sincerity, optimism and air of open-minded tolerance go down well, and it makes a nice change-of-pace from the kind of hip cynicism that seems to infuse even the most genial of Hollywood family films these days." (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
The film went on to win a host of awards, including the Crystal Heart from the Heartland Film Festival, one of the year's best family films from MovieGuide and a Camie Award for virtues of character, integrity and inspirational themes. When released on DVD this past August it immediately became an audience favorite, receiving great reviews on Yahoo, Amazon and other voting sites. To date it has sold beyond the $20 million mark on DVD and rented well past $20 million.
Michael also directed the 2006 theatrical feature, "ONE NIGHT WITH THE KING," based on the Tommy Tinney novel of the same name. A faithful interpretation of the Old Testament Book of Esther, the film was shot in Jodhpur, India with an international cast that includes Peter O'Toole, Omar Sharif, John Rhys-Davies, John Noble, Luke Goss and Tiffany Dupont as Esther.
Variety reviewer Joe Leydon stated, "Blessed with abundant production values and a minimum of campy excess, One Night With the King is a surprisingly satisfying attempt to revive the Old Hollywood tradition of lavishly appointed Biblical epics aimed at mainstream audiences." Aside from using the modern tools of the trade like extensive visual effects, Michael also had at his disposal hundreds and hundreds of extras, not to mention forts of antiquity and the palaces of Maharajahs.
Michael O. Sajbel (pronounced SI-ble) started his career as a feature film writer, and then branched out as an accomplished Special Effects Director/DP before becoming a full-fledged Director.
Michael's other feature films include "THE RIDE," which he directed for World Wide Pictures, starring Michael Biehn ("TOMBSTONE," "ABYSS," "ALIENS," "TERMINATOR"), Jennifer O'Neill ("SUMMER OF '42") and Brock Pierce ("MIGHTY DUCKS," "FIRST KID"). He also wrote the final draft screenplay based on the story of a washed up rodeo cowboy and a terminally ill boy who wants to be a bullrider.
"The Ride" completed a limited but successful theatrical release in 1998, was shown nationally on network television and on American Airlines to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It has also won numerous awards and been featured in many film festivals.
"The Ride" has since become one of World Wide's most profitable releases and is available on DVD (with Director's commentary).
Michael's first completed directorial effort, "COME THE MORNING," was a dramatic film about a homeless family, filmed on Los Angeles' Skid Row. "Come The Morning" won the Crown Award for Best Film of the Year for 1994. This compelling story, written by Academy Award winner Mark Jonathan Harris ("THE LONG WAY HOME", "INTO THE ARMS OF STRANGERS: STORIES OF THE KINDERTRANSPORT"), is currently in video release. (World Wide Pictures)
From 1983 until 2002 Michael was also Director and/or Director of Photography for Sessums Engineering of Redlands, California on a multitude of major studio features. Sessums is known for excellence in effects work, specializing in live action and miniatures.
Productions included "PAYCHECK," "THE CORE," "AMERICAN OUTLAW," "X-MEN," "MEN OF HONOR," "FLUBBER," "THE ICE STORM," "BROKEN ARROW," "SPEED," " MONEY TRAIN," "TALL TALE," "MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE MOVIE," "HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER," "FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER," and both "HOT SHOTS!" features.
In recent years Michael has also directed several award winning documentaries, including "CHARLES COLSON: RELUCTANT PROPHET" (1995) and "ZAMPERINI: STILL CARRYING THE TORCH" (1993).
As a result of working with Charles Colson on his documentary, since 1995 Michael has directed a significant portion of all of the fundraising video presentations for Prison Fellowship. He also has, since 1990, directed annual Christmas and Easter television specials for the country of India, seen by millions on Doordarshan Broadcasting for the Gospel Association of India.
Michael has also produced a number of dramatic films, "THE HOME COMING." (1996 World Wide Pictures) and "POWERPLAY" (1994 World Wide Pictures) and "SUPERSTITION" (1984 Carolco).
A summa cum laude graduate of UCLA, Michael began his career writing four produced feature films, including the western "GRAYEAGLE" starring the legendary western star Ben Johnson (1977 American International Pictures) and, as non-credited staff writer, the enormously successful G rated "MOUNTAIN FAMILY ROBINSON." (1979 Pacific International Enterprises)
Presently Michael is searching for a studio to produce his latest feature length screenplay and, pending financing, up to direct any number of films in development.
Michael has taught a Master Degree level course at the USC School of Film and Television as a Visiting Professor and has guest lectured at the University of Notre Dame, the University of Wisconsin (Madison and Oshkosh) and BIOLA University in Los Angeles.
He was born and raised in Wisconsin and divides his time between residences in Los Angeles and Wisconsin. He is married to Susan Allen, MD and has three children.
Member: Director's Guild of America, Writer's Guild of America
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