Michael J. Lutman is an American/Australian director with a diverse film background. After completing his cinema degree at San Francisco State University, he worked as a cinematographer on commercial, narrative, and documentary films. Seeking a more creative role Michael moved into advertising in Melbourne, editing TVCs for Australia’s biggest brands — including Carlton Draught, NAB, Toyota and TAC. Over this same decade, Michael also produced and directed numerous documentaries, as well as content projects for large NGO’s around the world. His feature documentary Plasticized (2011) and award-winning topical follow up Baykeepers (2014, OIFF Best Short Documentary) both brought to light marine plastic pollution is a global epidemic.

Michael’s recent commercial directing work has focussed on being emotionally-charged and visually compelling. His ability to envision and connect core messaging in storytelling has led to successful brand collaborations with Puma, RSPCA, Save The Children, and Stomping Ground Brewery’s Movember campaign.

Grounded by years of experience in the documentary space, his actor director relationship centres on nurturing authenticity in both dramatic and comedic roles. He has an attention
to detail that sets his work apart by getting the heart and magic out of every story.