ec2
 

Michael Tanner
Cusumano

Filmmaker, Tanner Films

Burbank, California

High school junior and film director Michael Tanner Cusumano has distinguished himself as a highly talented filmmaker and producer, as evidenced by his award-winning short films “Sage” and “Amanda.” The 17-year-old student from Los Angeles first enrolled in a summer filmmaking course at the New York Film Academy 5 years ago, and he now runs his own film production company, Tanner Films. Michael Tanner Cusumano’s work explores topics that affect adolescents; drinking and driving, bullying, and peer pressure are a few of the subjects that he has chosen to address. His work has resulted in hard-hitting dramas that are both thoughtful and provocative.

Michael Tanner Cusumano’s most recently completed film, “Amanda,” vividly depicts characters caught up in situations that resonate with modern-day audiences. Overcome by shame and guilt in the aftermath of a drunk-driving accident that killed her two friends, Amanda finds her world of privilege crashing down around her. Cusumano’s film showed at numerous film festivals across the country, including NewFilmMakers New York, the Los Angeles Cinema Festival of Hollywood, and the Buffalo Niagara Film Festival. At the Mountain Film Festival in Colorado, judges selected “Amanda” as Best Crime Film, and the International Family Film Festival named it Best Drama.

Michael Tanner Cusumano received additional recognition abroad, earning awards for “Amanda” at the Amsterdam Film Festival, the Canada International Film Festival, and the Mexico International Film Festival. Cusumano is currently working on a new film entitled “Impetuous,” about peer pressure and bullying among adolescents. In addition to his film making, Cusumano stays busy as Director of the Sierra Canyon Film Festival, an annual event that he established at his high school. To learn more about Michael Tanner Cusumano and Tanner Films, please visit his website at MikeTheDirector.com.


Michael Tanner Cusumano's Companies

Michael Tanner Cusumano's Publications

  • An Interview with Filmmaker Michael Tanner Cusumano, Tanner Cusumano
    November, 2011
    At only 17 years old, breakthrough filmmaker Michael Tanner Cusumano has already crafted a number of thought-provoking and captivating stories. We caught up with Michael to learn more about how he got his start in film, his creative process, and his past and current projects.

    Q: Most budding filmmakers only aspire to create movie magic; at 17, you’ve already made several films. How long have you been making movies?

    Michael Tanner Cusumano: I’ve been a film buff for as long as I can remember. I started making movies when I was 12; dreaming up stories, writing scripts, and shooting scenes.

    Q: How did you learn the many different techniques that are used to make a film?

    Michael Tanner Cusumano: Like any aspiring movie maker, I idolize many well-known directors and plenty of lesser-known ones as well. When my parents realized I was serious about pursuing film, they decided I should get a jump-start on my education and made it possible for me to attend New York Film Academy programs during the summer. Those programs complemented the film education I received at Sierra Canyon School, where I attend high school.

    Q: You had already studied film before entering high school, then.

    Michael Tanner Cusumano: Yeah. Actually, I’m still in school; I just started my junior year. I’m actually the Festival Director of our school’s film festival, which is a great honor for me.

    Q: Are you still attending summer programs?

    Michael Tanner Cusumano: Yes, last year I studied at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts.

    Q: Between your formal education and all of your extra programs, do you still create movies in what spare time you have?

    Michael Tanner Cusumano: Absolutely! My new film, Impetuous, is almost done with post production and should be ready for release this Fall. Your readers can check out the synopsis and a trailer at ImpetuousMovie.com.