Emmy Award-winning network producer and digital journalist Michael Harris creates some of the most interesting television now coming out of the Pacific Northwest. His specials, films and documentaries have garnered numerous prestigious industry awards, including 11 Emmys and over 45 Emmy nominations in 15 different categories, from Producer, Writer, Editor, Director, Photographer to Composer, and in 2011 was even recognized in the category of “Outstanding Host,” one of just four nominees across the five-state region, for the KOMO (ABC Seattle) primetime special, GIANTS of the Pacific Northwest.
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In the Works...
Baby Wild Films and its partners are always bringing exciting new projects into the world, covering a wide variety of subject matter. And like the arrival of any baby, some go smoothly; some don't. Some births happen quickly; others not-so-much. But no matter the throes of labor, presenting these creations to audiences is a wonderful thing. Over the last 25 years, we've been fortunate enough to team up with production companies, corporate partners and global celebrities on a number of television and web vehicles, seeing it literally go from idea to funding to execution to broadcast. Many shows are still on air today. Some have gone on to win Primetime Emmy Awards and a number of industry honors. Several are launched as "preview" specials or documentaries, with hopes of becoming series. And some concepts continue to evolve and seek homes. But as every one of our partners will attest, regardless of the ultimate success of each endeavor, the making of these sizzle reels, pilots, previews and web shorts are always an extraordinarily fulfilling experience. Television is a tough nut to crack. We make sure that we keep our eyes on the prize, but our hearts in the journey.
If you'd like to get involved in some of the projects below, give us a shout! Or make a pledge on Kickstarter. We'd love to hear from you.
"The Villagers"
"The Mine"
This documentary series project sent Michael Harris and photojournalist Kevin Ely to the jungles of Cambodia, to investigate a proposed multinational titanium mine slated for one of the last remaining stands of tropical forest in Southeast Asia – a project that many feared not only would accelerate climate change but could wipe out some of the most endangered wildlife in the world. Michael and Kevin traveled to the village of Chi Phat, the nearest settlement to the proposed mining site, which also was a major base camp and killing field for the Khmer Rouge. The first preview web broadcasts of excerpts of CLIMATE WARS / CAMBODIA were widely credited with helping to prompt the Prime Minister of Cambodia to reverse a previous decision and deny permission for the mine.
"Teppanyaki Takedown"
This ain't your Daddy's Benihana, baby... This is in-your-face, Japanese-style flat iron teppanyaki cooking – people so close to the action they could lose a finger. Totally interactive, absolute theatre, awesome food. This is where beef, shrimp and noodles become dangerous flying objects, and dinner becomes chef-on-chef violence. Put your protective glasses on, folks – this is TEPPANYAKI TAKEDOWN. Seattle-based Mike Monzon, known in the industry as “Tattoo Mike,” is perhaps the top teppanyaki master in North America. A former tattoo artist, this half-Asian/half-American self-taught chef has made a name for himself with a style all his own. Besides his remarkably creative choice of ingredients and presentation, Mike’s mesmerizing to watch. He’s considered one of the world’s fastest masters at slinging blades, and coming up with new tricks to delight his audience. And he’s developed quite a devoted following.
TEPPANYAKI TAKEDOWN will be shot in 13 different cities – Seattle, Bismarck, New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, Vancouver, Toronto, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, Portland and Tokyo. Tattoo Mike challenges the top teppanyaki masters in each city, brandishing his unique Wu Tang style of flat-iron cooking against both old school and contemporary chefs. Sometimes Mike wins; other times he’s taken down. Each chef will be given one half-hour to prepare, cook and present the dishes. A panel of judges will preside over the competition – one master chef, one celebrity – complemented by the metered response of those watching (and eating) in the restaurant, as well as the “likes,” Tweets and votes on those participating via social media. Performances will be judged on both the style of each master, as well as the final product. Much like “Iron Chef,” it’s not just about speed and theatrics – it’s also about the food.
"Nature of The Beast" With Bob Sapp (Series Demo/Japan)Baby Wild Films partnered on the pilot of an international "wildlife/travel/reality" series called NATURE OF THE BEAST, co-produced and hosted by 6'4" 350-pound champion fighter and actor ("Elektra," "Longest Yard," "Big Stan," "Conan the Barbarian") Bob "The Beast" Sapp. This special was originally produced for Japanese television, but the project is currently being re-worked and pitched to a major U.S. cable network.
"Dairyman Blues"This short documentary (and demo for a long-format series) visits with small farmers in Yakima County, Washington, as they fight concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs, and the loosely regulated mega-dairies fouling the air and water of their community. The webcast preview short was an Emmy Award-winner for "Outstanding Advanced Media."
ORCA CONSERVANCY is a non-profit organization founded in 1996 advocating for the conservation of Orcinus orca, the killer whale, and the wild places on which it depends. Petitioner and successful litigant in the historic U.S. District Court victory that won the Puget Sound's Southern Resident orcas their first-ever federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. 
