​Joe Michaels
Director + Producer + Creative Director + Photographer + Writer
“I was lucky enough to work with Joe for 11 years while he was the Director of TODAY. Joe is a master of his craft and it was an honor to share the control room with him for many years. Creative and always calm under pressure. Versatile, able to lead the crew and studio through breaking news events, war coverage, and world events, then turn around a day later and have the range to direct live concerts and performance segments. Joe earned the respect of his crew by always treating them with kindness and respect no matter the circumstances.”
— Keith R. Barbaria
Vice President, Technology & Operations, NBC Universal
“Joe Michaels took a huge group of people every morning... technical people, producers and those of us in front of the camera and it was his job to turn us into a team, a cohesive unit, and create a professional work atmosphere that’s not only professional but fun. And that is where Joe goes from being one of the best in the business to the ABSOLUTE best. He is revered by his crews, admired by producers and is adored by those of us in front of the camera because he has our backs and makes it fun.”
— Matt Lauer
TODAY Anchor
“There is no greater test of a director’s skill and temperament than morning television, a daily, live adventure of hard news, live concerts, complicated remotes, cooking segments, fashion shows, and just about everything else. And in the last 20 years, Joe Michaels has directed more morning television - and done it better - than anyone.”
— Jim Bell
NBC Olympics Executive Producer
“If you are looking for a director who shines in a live, high pressure, multi-camera environment and does it with a Joie de vivre that is infectious, Joe Michaels is your guy. I loved every minute I worked with him and would do it again in a heartbeat.”
— Al Roker
TODAY Co-host
“Joe and I worked together during the 20 years I spent at NBC News… I viewed him as a partner in my management of the news division… not only was he a talented director, but he was also diligent about cost containment, and a creative voice in aspects of news division production.
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“Tough to boil down his career into a few lines but here are the highlights off the top of my head:
He directed the Today Show (3 hours per day)… Directed for NBC Sports… directed the Olympic Opening Ceremony… Been an AD and a number of other production roles.
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“Done it all from Special Reports to unforgettable events from all around the world… made segments like 'Where in the World is Matt Lauer' come to life.. to masterminding countless redesign efforts.”
—Steve Capus
Executive Producer CBS Evening News
Former President NBC News
