Michael Lauter / Biography

Award-winning motion picture director Michael Lauter began making short Super8 films at the age of ten and further experimented with image, sound and music throughout his junior high and high school years. In college he studied film and engineering. During this time, Michael started shooting in 16mm format and disciplined himself in the art and science of cinematography. After completing his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder, he directed & photographed a handful of short 16mm experimental films, including the cult favorite _mallsoleum_. In 1996 Michael embarked on the production of his debut feature film, Persistence of Division (1997), which was later awarded "best experimental feature" at the 1997 Denver Underground Film Festival. In 1999 Michael began production on his sophomore feature film _Sleeping Pills (2002)_, which was his first experience shooting in 35mm widescreen format. This highly anticipated film is currently in its final stages of post-production. Having taught himself music composition at the age of fourteen, Michael occasionally scores selected music cues for his films. This music background is also evident in the musical, rhythmic nature of Michael's editing. His understanding of the relationship between film & music caught the attention of the recording industry; In 2002 internationally acclaimed record label Obliq Recordings commissioned Michael to produce 16mm film loops and music videos to accompany their artists' repertoires. This collaboration is known as the 'Obliq Optik' project.