Biography


My feature documentary, “ANOTHER FIRST STEP,” received The CINE GOLDEN
EAGLE, the BRONZE PLAQUE from the 42nd Annual Columbus Awards, and The
Dore Schary Award.

For the past twelve years I have been working as a writer, producer and director for
The Discovery Channel, The Learning Channel, NBC, Fox Television and The Arts and
Entertainment Network (A&E). My work includes; “THE CURSE OF THE GODDESS
PELE” and “SACRED PLACES” for the A&E series Ancient Mysteries;
“SKYSCRAPERS” and “HIBERNIA GBS “ for the TLC Series, Super Structures of the
World. “Military Master Builders,” “Below New York” and “Subterranean Secrets” for the
TLC Series Mega Tech.  In addition, I have worked as a Producer and Director for
Confirmation, Sightings, Storm Warning, Without Warning, Trauma Center, Amazing
America and LAPD: Life on the Beat.

My most recent releases, “FRESH women” and  "A Christmas in Tent City" follow a
style that lets the subjects speak for themselves. In both films I have chosen not to
use narration and very little music because I want to stay as true to the story and
subjects as possible. I hope that these types of films bridge understandings between
diverse groups and help the cause of social justice in today's global society. Both
films have received an "Award of Excellence" from the Accolade Awards and have
screened at film festivals across the United States.

I am also an Assistant Professor of Communication at Santa Clara University where I
teach film and television courses.

I received a Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Directing from The University of
California, Los Angeles, in 1993 and I graduated from Santa Clara University in 1989
with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

I currently reside in San Jose, CA with my wife Nicole and our black lab, Edison.



Link to Michael Whalen's Resume
Michael Whalen is a unique writer, producer and director.
His innovative style and distinctive voice continues to define
him as a top talent in the film and television industry.