Michael Burkenbine - Producer
Mike Burkenbine started his entertainment career at ACNielsen where he undertook the role of business development and directed the creation of a consumer sales tracking system for Home Entertainment products (VHS & DVD.) It has become the industry standard and is the only one of its kind. It is now called ACNielsen VideoScan ™. This system allows each studio to analyze DVD sales to consumers across labels, markets and retailers. Mike also devised analytical techniques, using this data to evaluate sales, distribution and marketing tactics and strategies within this competitive milieu. He then integrated this data into supply chain systems to optimize sales and distribution. Throughout this time Mike provided these consulting services to The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros., Sony Pictures Entertainment and NBC/Universal. And, ultimately he impacted the Home Entertainment industry with regard to distribution, merchandising, retail marketing, forecasting, operations and sales.
Also during this time Mike began his MBA studies at the University of Southern California. After completion of his Master’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Entertainment, he was recruited to work for Sony Pictures Entertainment in the Home Entertainment Division. His role there was as Executive Director with responsibilities for Supply Chain, Research, Merchandising, Vendor Managed Inventory, Sales, Reporting, Digital Strategy (VOD & PPV), acquisitions, royalty advance decision-making, Acquisitions, and North American Business Development. He was responsible for the release of Studio and acquired films and television shows such as Men In Black I & II, My Best Friend's Wedding, Jerry Maguire, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Godzilla, Spider-Man 1 & 2 and Seinfeld as well as facilitating several billion dollars in catalog sales.
Next, Mike took on the role of Vice President, Sales Development for Ventura Distribution (now called First Look/Genius) which is the World’s largest distributor of Home Entertainment products for independent film producers. His responsibilities included sales forecasting, retail marketing, merchandising, release scheduling, acquisitions and product management.
Currently Mike is a film and TV producer with projects in development at 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks via his production company – Climbing Tree Productions. He also has his own distribution and consulting firm (MLB Consulting) at which he provides expertise to producers in the filmed entertainment and video game fields. His client list includes Activision, Warner Bros., The Walt Disney Company, Ventura Distribution (First Look) and Ivy West. His services include film editing, management of DVD mastering, artwork design, forecasting, sales (television and DVD), marketing and distribution. In addition, Mike has raised money for a variety of television and independent feature film projects.
Mike’s past philanthropic activities have included: Board of Directors, Marshall Associates of the University of Southern California; Board of Advisors, Chairman, Student/Alumni Committee for the Marshall School of Business; and Board of Directors, Special Olympics of Southern California.