Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Tessler.
Michael, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m 26 years old and am the CEO of Multihouse Entertainment. We are a multi-platform entertainment company that develops powerful franchises using film, television, graphic novels, AR experiences, videos games, and other developing tech. We have a special passion for historical projects and sharing powerful human stories.
I’m originally from a small town in New York and got my start in entertainment because of that love of history. While working for TBR News Media out of Long Island, I developed an interactive mini-series that brought to life George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring. It won several first-place awards at the New York Press Association. That led to me co-creating and producing the Revolutionary War feature film One Life to Give. Since then I’ve been an associate producer with INE Entertainment on Discovery Live: Into the Blue Hole starring Sir Richard Branson and Science Channel’s Legends of the Deep which stars the grandchildren of famous ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau.
Multihouse Entertainment continues to grow faster than I could have dreamed. We’re headquartered in Los Angeles but now have satellites in both New York and Orlando. In 2020, we’ll be opening up an additional satellite in Atlanta and the United Kingdom. This year we’re releasing the preview for two of our graphic novels, will be launching our first interactive AR experience, and a digital anthology pilot created in partnership with the tech startup Firework.
We’re hoping to make some history ourselves with our powerful multi-platform storytelling. We’re really excited to be bringing our company to Atlanta: a city ideal for creators and that thrives on diversity.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Part of why I’m pursuing this career is to fulfill a promise to my late best friend Brandon Myers. Despite dealing with an awful degenerative disease, he never allowed any obstacles to prevent him from living his dreams to the fullest. His life has been an inspiration to me and has helped me overcome challenge after challenge. Though he is no longer with us, I can’t help but feel his presence in every story we tell.
We’ve faced many challenges at Multihouse Entertainment. None greater than overcoming the challenges of acquiring capital. Thankfully we’ve got the greatest team in the world and have been able to bring along some wonderful investors and have received funding for several of our projects.
In the process of building Multihouse, I’ve been on a pretty massive weight loss journey. I’ve lost 160 LBS and have been juggling building not just a healthy business but lifestyle for myself. This has been a struggle trying to find a balance…but I’m making it happen day by day.
Please tell us about Multihouse Entertainment.
Multihouse Entertainment is a multi-platform entertainment company with a special focus on historical projects. We believe in pushing the limits of storytelling by empowering our storytellers to do what they do best. Audiences deserve quality content that innovates and inspires.
By the end of 2019, we’ll have completed a digital anthology pilot, released two graphic novel previews, released six original webisodes, written a television pilot adaptation of a beloved children’s book, produced a sizzle reel for said adaptation, and launched an augmented reality experience. We’ll have nearly a dozen projects and selling materials ready just in time for pitch season.
Our rapid growth is unusual and has captured the interest of a variety of industry leaders. In our first year of business, in addition to establishing a base of operations in Los Angeles, we launched satellite divisions in both Brooklyn and Orlando. By the end of 2020, we’re launching satellite branches in both Atlanta and the United Kingdom.
Our team consists of visionaries who share our belief that the future of entertainment is great multi-platform storytelling. Merging technology and art in new and spectacular ways with our powerful franchises and immersive creative experiences.
We are inclusive, innovative, and use our great respect for the past to forge a powerful new path towards to the future. We are most proud of the people who have made Multihouse Entertainment what it is today.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Definitely cuddling with my Grandma Sally while we watched “Three Stooges and Jeopardy“. She was always so warm and loving, constantly challenging me to embrace my imagination in wonderful and spectacular ways.
To that end, I especially miss just having all the people I love in life living in one place.
Contact Info:
- Website: MultihouseEntertainment.com
- Phone: 213-357-1642
- Email: Info@MultihouseEntertainment.com
- Instagram: @MultihouseEntertainment
- Facebook: Facebook.com/MultihouseEntertainment
Image Credit:
J.W. Hendricks
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