Dictionary Films has signed director and DP Michael Ognisanti. He had been on the roster of the Chicago-based production company MK Films since 2004, where he was trained as a motion control operator and began assistant-directing and shooting under director Mark Klein. Over these years, Ognisanti built a reputation as a top tabletop director and as a DP for both commercials and documentaries. His commercial credits include spots for Bobble, Bud Light, Coors, Giant Eagle and Golden Corral.
“With budgets and schedules shrinking all the time, versatility is paramount,” said Chris Rossiter, Dictionary managing director. “Michael’s talent as a DP in and beyond tabletop work provides key capabilities that are extremely valuable to us and our clients. I love his tabletop work, and he has already shot as DP for [Dictionary] director Jay Patton on projects that didn’t have a tabletop aspect.”
Before landing with MK, Ognisanti was a videographer and editor at WLAJ-TV in Lansing, Michigan, where he honed his skills in crafting clear and concise visual stories. He is a 2002 graduate of Michigan State University, where he earned his degree in Visual and Media Arts, and he also studied film at the British Film Institute.
The integrated production arm of Cutters Studios, Dictionary Films represents directors through its offices in Los Angeles and Chicago, and together with its partner companies Another Country, Cutters, Flavor and Picnic Media, represents full-service creative capabilities.
“I love the idea of connecting the production and post worlds more completely, and that’s what’s happening at Cutters Studios with Dictionary,” said Ognisanti. “Chicago’s my home and while Cutters and Dictionary are international companies, I love the Chicago film community…so Dictionary being based here is great for me.”
