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The Chronic Rift Network is proud to present the first in a series of conversations with creative types about the forms/struggles/joys of the creative life.  Handsome Timmy D (Davis) of The Dan & Travis Show presents this series of conversations, uncut and unedited.

Here's how Tim describes this episode:

"Mike Doto is a gentleman who’s worn many creative hats in the entertainment business, climbing the ranks from a Stage PA to Assistant Director but he didn’t stop there.  He’s also directed two critically acclaimed shorts and is currently the Digital Media Producer for TVLand’s “Hot In Cleveland” starring a true cast of legends in Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick and the iconic Betty White.

In this episode Mike offers some great practical insight that could serve as a guide to newcomers to the business or great reminders to vets.  We also discuss how directors are finding new creative opportunities thanks to the new frontier of digital media on the internet."

Comment on this episode here or by writing john@chronicrift.com.

Mike Doto is a Los Angeles based film director and New Jersey native.  He began his career in television and has assistant directed shows for NBC-Universal, Fox, ABC, Paramount, Warner Bros., TNT, Showtime, and Carsey-Werner, including That 70s Show, where he worked for four seasons.

In addition to directing, Mike has also worked in post production as a producer, editor, and production manager for many shows, trailers, promos, and commercials.

Mike's award winning directorial debut, Peace, starring Kurtwood Smith, was an official selection at over 30 film festivals worldwide and is currently  available on iTunes and Hulu and can be seen on cable and network television stations around the globe.

Mike's new film, The Legacy, about a boy who believes his father is a superhero, won best Comics Related Film at San Diego Comic Con 2010.  The film also played at the Cannes Film Festival and has garnered much acclaim by critics.  The Legacy is now available on Hulu.

Currently in development is the feature film Always Picked Last which Mike wrote along with Emmy Award winning writer Steve Feld.  The film is about a young boy who develops a deeper relationship with his father through the game of baseball.

Mike holds a Bachelor of Arts in film production from Emerson College and is a member of the Directors Guild of America.

Links

Hot in Cleveland's Digital Media

Hot in Cleveland on Twitter

Peace starring Kurtwood Smtih and Nancy Lenehan

The Legacy, which won Best Comics Oriented Film at San Diego Comic Con

Seaside Pictures

Mike on Twitter