​Joe Michaels

Joe Michaels directed over 5,000 episodes of the venerable Today Show, which is considered the most difficult job in television directing. Highlights include 50 episodes of its signature series “Where In The World Is Matt Lauer?” In addition, he has directed the 2014 Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics, the first live National Geographic Special “Brain Surgery Live,” and Raycom Televsion Special “Louisiana Rising.”  Joe was a game changer in morning television, creating the look and technological innovations that made the Today Concert Series a coveted slot for musical artists.  An appearance in Today’s Concert Series Live in Rockefeller Plaza or inside the famed Studio 1-A guaranteed a ride up the music charts.  From rock and roll hall of famers to rap innovators to country royalty to pop music sensations, his concert reel includes performances by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Tony Bennett, Kiss, Neil Diamond, Bon Jovi, Elton John, Maroon 5, One Direction, Justin Beiber, Pit Bull, Chris Brown, Mariah Carey, Dolly Parton, Rihanna, Blake Shelton, Zac Brown Band, and just about any artist who’s topped the charts in the past 20 years. Other special telecasts include The Royal Wedding of Prince William, The Ends Of The Earth, a special Today show that was the first simultaneous broadcast in TV history LIVE from the Arctic, the Antarctic and the Equator, and the breaking news coverage of the events of September 11th, 2001. Joe also gave the same meticulous care to directing all aspects of regular daytime television fare including fashion, cooking, game show, product demonstration, sports and literally thousands of interviews, live remotes and breaking news segments.

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Considered one of the premier directors in television history, Joe Michaels is involved hands-on in all aspects of the production from set design and lighting, to camera usage and crew management. His innovative style of production with creative methods for location broadcasts and unique camera placement styles have earned him a reputation as one of the most creative directors in television. Because of his skill and vision, he was tapped by NBC to direct its coverage of the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in Sochi, Russia, seen by 31.7 million viewers.