Meet Michael Angelo | Filmmaker, Director, Writer, Producer, and Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Angelo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factors behind my success in the film industry are determination and perseverance. Before starting my film company Mangelo Productions Network, so many people would laugh at me when I told them that I wanted to be an actor and filmmaker. Even some of my closest friends told me that I was wasting my time and money. Nevertheless, I had a clear vision of where I saw myself in the industry.

Therefore, I began training by taking classes in New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta and even soliciting private acting coaches to hone my craft. Shortly afterwards, I started landing roles in several indie productions and began working as an extra on big budget film sets. After seeing how these productions companies produced projects, it only heightened my desire to create my own company.

Hereafter, I set out to prove everybody wrong and create my own film company – Mangelo Productions Network. Through determination and perseverance  through all the dark times, 12 years later I am an award winning filmmaker, a distributor of content on such streaming platforms as: Crackle, TubiTV, Redbox, Pluto, hoopla, Sling, Xumo Movies & TV, VUDU, Roku Channel, Prime Video, and now streaming on NBC Peacock.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Please tell us more about your work. I am the CEO of Mangelo Productions Network. I created this film company in June 2008. Ever since its inception, MPN has been making gains in the film industry. I began shooting my first movie called Words to Kill which I wrote and directed in July 2008 and completed it in October 2008. After the premiere, I knew that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

Shortly afterwards, I decided to produce my first comedy movie called Single in the ATL and followed up with the highly successful sequel Single in the ATL 2 which is streaming on Amazon Prime currently. These movies did two things for me: 1) established me as a comedy writer and 2) established me as a comedy actor.

Then, I returned back to my roots and wrote the AWARD WINNING drama called Imprisoned by Love. This movie has won 3 film festival awards, received several honorable mentions and has been recognized by many different domestic violence organizations. Also, it was picked up by Maverick Entertainment for national distribution. It is now streaming on NBC Peacock and several of streaming platforms.

Most notably, my latest movie Faces of Deceit, which was also written and directed by me, has already been award the title of being an OFFICIAL SELECTION of the Georgia Latino Film Alliance and is headed to all major streaming platforms in September 2022.

Lastly, I have finally completed my long anticipated 3 Part Movie Series called Dream on Dreamer on July 23, 2022. If you love drama, suspense, infidelity, murder, drug trafficking, and tragedy, then you will love this project. I can’t wait to show it to the world. We are currently in post-productions.

We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about.

What sets me apart from other filmmakers is that I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure that each scene is executed perfectly and with integrity. For example, if a hospital room is needed, I do not cheat the scene. I’ll find a sound stage with a hospital room. Moreover, I pride myself on making sure that each actor commits fully to the scene and do whatever it takes to make the scene look organic and effortlessly.

How did you get to where you are today professionally?

I think I have reached this level of success because I have sacrificed so much in my life to make this company a success business – relationships, socialization, finances, friendships, personal life, etc.

Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

Excuse me, but hell no! It wasn’t easy at all. The financial burden alone is very taxing. Since I write all of my projects, I have had to cut out a lot of socialization with friends and even family in order to meet deadlines. This lifestyle has really consumed most of my time in general due to excessive pre-production meetings, long filming hours, and post-production hours. Nevertheless, I know that hard work reaps its own reward; therefore, I keep moving forward focusing on the prize.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

1) Surround yourself with people who want success as much as you do.
2) It’s an old cliché, but it is applicable in this business, “Business and friendship should be kept separate”.
3) Everyone is not who they say they are in this business.
4) Check references first.
5) Always get your contracts reviewed before signing.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

Mangelo Productions is a film company that is working hard to become synonymous with making quality films and delivering unique story lines with a twist. Also, we want to be recognized for showing a diverse cast in our movies that are able to carry a story line from the beginning to the end while entertaining our viewers.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First, we will have to go to Soul Vegetarian Restaurant in the West End because their food is phenomenal. Their vegan mac-n-cheese and vegan fried chicken will blow your mind. Next, we definitely have to hit Atlantic Station to check out the sites and shop.

I’m really into local theatres, so it’s imperative that we check out Marietta’s New Theatre in the Square. They put on some of the best plays in Atlanta. Some other places that we must hit up will be Stone Mountain Park, The King Center, The Aquarian, The Sun Dial Bar for the best view of the city, and of course my favorite gentlemen’s club lol.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are several people to whom I can contribute my success in the industry and deserve a “Shoutout”.

First and foremost, I would like to shoutout God, The Almighty, who gives me the strength to process all of this craziness in the entertainment industry on a daily basis without losing my sanity.

Second, I would like to shoutout my family. They have always pushed me to keep going whenever I felt like I wanted to throw in the towel. They are my biggest supporters, especially my children. I love them so much, and I am so grateful to have them in my corner.

Third, I have to recognize John and Lisina Stoneburner from The Company Acting Studio in Atlanta, who were my first acting coaches. They taught me the value of method acting by using the Stella Adler and Stanislavski approach to acting. In addition, they forced me to dig deep within myself and step out of my comfort zone. This made me greater than I ever thought I could be. Also, they gave me a place to practice my craft with liked-minded individuals on a weekly basis.

Next, I will highlight Mr. Bob J. Gaye. Bob was a TV producer of an urban soap opera called A-Town East which later became known as Love Always, Charleston back in the early 2000’s. In addition,  Bob gave me my first TV acting opportunity when no one else would. I played the role of Cortez Rodriguez on this show for about 4 years. It was from his TV show that I learned how to act in front of camera and learned how employ my acting training in front of a weekly audience.

Lastly, I would like to thank so many wonderful people who help make Mangelo Productions Network run smoothly. In no particular order: Wardell Richardson, Rae’l Charles, Sarah D,  Pennye Rogers, Raul Thomas, LeQentez Brown, Jacqueline Waller, Michael Redden, Susan Deal and many more behind the scenes people like makeup artists, PA’s, sound mixers, personal assistants, etc who support me. I immensely thank all of you for your support and contributions that you have provided to my film company over the years.

In closing, the literature that I have read that have given me inspiration and useful knowledge are:
1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
2. You Become What You Think About: How Your Mind Creates The World You Live In
3. Becoming
4. Los Hábitos de un Cerebro Feliz (Available in English as well)

Website: https://www.mangeloproductionsnetwork.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mangelo_productions/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-angelo-2b476477

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mangelofilms

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angelotheactor

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/Angelotheactor

Image Credits
Eric Goines Phil Mistry