Dictionary Films Hires Tabletop Director / DP Michael Ognisanti

Dictionary Films managing director Chris Rossiter today announced the signing of accomplished director and director of photography Michael Ognisanti to his directorial roster.

Ognisanti has been on the roster of the Chicago-based production company MK Films since 2004, where he was trained as a motion control operator and began assistant-directing and shooting under director Mark Klein. Over these years, Ognisanti has built a reputation as a top tabletop director and as a DP for both commercials and documentaries. His commercial credits include spots for Bobble, Bud Light, Coors, Giant Eagle and Golden Corral.

"With budgets and schedules shrinking all the time, versatility is paramount," Rossiter began. "Michael's talent as a DP in and beyond tabletop work provides key capabilities that are extremely valuable to us and our clients. I love his tabletop work, and he has already shot as DP for director Jay Patton on projects that didn't have a tabletop aspect. Simply put, we just love working with him."

Before landing with MK, Michael was a videographer and editor at WLAJ-TV in Lansing, Michigan, where he honed his skills in crafting clear and concise visual stories. He is a 2002 graduate of Michigan State University, where he earned his degree in Visual and Media Arts, and he also studied film at the illustrious British Film Institute.

Deeply appreciative of the opportunities presented to him at MK, Ognisanti is excited about the new relationship with Dictionary. "I love the idea of connecting the production and post worlds more completely, and that's what's happening at Cutters Studios with Dictionary," he said. "Chicago's my home and while Cutters and Dictionary are international companies, I love the Chicago film community… so Dictionary being based here is great for me."