CV for Michael Chase

Michael Chase
Torrance, CA  90505
(310) 634-4723 Cell
Michael@ChaseFamilyPlanet.com Home Email



Objectives:
To work as a Chief Operations Officer in the entertainment industry, preferably in manufacturing and construction. To work with a collaborative and talented team who strives to accomplish innovative and challenging projects.
Job Information:
George & Goldberg Design Associates, Inc
Nov 2005 - Present
VP, PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Developed a new business market in architectural specialty installations by developing a partnership with manufacturers of products for the architectural + design industry and becoming trained and certified to fabricate and install these products. Brought in over $1 million in new client sales my first year. Meet with clients, consulted on new projects, estimated project costs, negotiated contracts and implemented fabrication and installation of awarded contracts. Created a new plastics fabrication department within the company and developed a higher standard for quality control. Updated and implemented new estimating and job tracking system.
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND PRODUCTION: ($9 million in annual sales) Implemented new procedures and guidelines for job estimating, project management, job cost tracking, production efficiencies and quality control.  Managed custom manufacturing shop of up to 75 employees in various trades: metal workers, welders, carpenters, stitchers, scenic painters, riggers, electricians and automation mechanics. Worked with administration staff to ensure proper reporting structure, job cost tracking, and fulfillment of contract obligations.  

Disney Creative Entertainment: Hong Kong Disneyland
 Jan 2004 - Nov 2005
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: for Hong Kong Disneyland: Storybook Theater and “The Golden Mickeys” stage show ($10.5 million)
To meet an aggressively compressed schedule for the design period of Storybook Theater, I successfully delivered facility entertainment design input and followed facility design on all systems for the Theater.  I provided detailed reviews and comments for each phase.
The entire design period for Storybook Theater from preliminary to build and construct was completed in just 20 weeks, which now goes on record as the shortest design completion for a Disney theater.  According to project archives, the shortest design time previously recorded was 42 weeks.  Despite the compressed schedule I was able to increase the level of detail normally expected.
In an eight week period of time I was able to prepare five requests for proposal (RFP) packages to cover the fabrication of five elements: scenic and automation; specialty rigging, puppets and costumes, video racks and projection equipment, and special effects.   During the same eight week period I also provided key input for the AVSC and site technical support vendor scope of work (SOW) and RFP.
To assist in the completion of the creative show design for The Golden Mickeys, I supervised, reviewed, and collaborated with design consultants to assure completion and eventual integration of the design of show systems.  These included lighting, scenic, puppets and costumes, special effects, and props.
I assisted in both the planning stage and the support during the mockup of The Golden Mickeys.   My input and assistance served to validate the creative intent for the production and to define parameters for technical development of scenery, video projection, automation, lighting, sound, and special effects.
Managed and coordinated all the technical aspects of  “The Golden Mickeys” stage show from Creative Development Phase, to Production/Procurement Phase, Installation, Test & Adjust, Technical Rehearsals and Grand Opening.

American Musical Theatre of San Jose
     Sept 2001 - Jan 2004
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR:  Created production schedules for design, fabrication and installation. Elevated the quality of work and professionalism of the scene shop staff.  Created nine full-time positions. Managed budgets for lighting, audio, scenery, labor, contract work, and set rentals.  Successfully managed union, non-professional and volunteer staff.  Acted as Technical Coordinator for eight Broadway National Tours to load in and perform at the Center for Performing Arts of San Jose (i.e. Les Miserables, Mamma Mia, Disney's AIDA, Blast!, Swing, and many others).  In house productions include: Grease!, Evita, Joseph…Dreamcoat, Damn Yankees, Miss Saigon, Sound of Music, Funny Girl, and On the 20th Century with budgets ranging between $750K and $1.3 Million.  Responsible Managing Employee (RME) under a California State Contractors License Class C-61/D34.

Walt Disney Entertainment, Japan: Tokyo DisneySEA ($56 million)
     Apr 1999 - Oct 2001
Tokyo DisneySEA Entertainment Program is the winner of the 2002 THEA award for Outstanding Achievement in Theme Park Entertainment!
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR for live entertainment productions in a new Disney theme park: Dockside Stage “Sail Away” ($1.6 million) outdoor-stage musical, park wide Atmosphere Entertainment program ($1 million) comprised of 30+ groups, and supervised technical aspects integrating live performers into a 3D movie attraction Magic Lamp Theater.  Obtained estimates from prospective vendors and identified facility requirements to implement the construction of each venue.  Contracted multiple vendors - both domestic and international - for scenic fabrication and show equipment acquisition. Supervised and coordinated with local vendors in the installation and completion testing of all show equipment. Managed all technical rehearsals, trained show crews on the operation and safety of all show related equipment. Coordinated all necessary modifications, repairs and maintenance through opening.
ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: Assisted two Technical Directors in the management and coordination of two live entertainment productions, Mermaid Theater “Under the Sea” ($6.8 million) and Hangar Stage “Mystic Rhythms” ($3.8 million). Successfully negotiated with and contracted vendors; coordinated and managed all show mock-ups, performed technical writing for all contract documentation, and AutoCAD support.
Buena Vista Pictures Distribution: Special Events
1995 & 1997-1999
ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: the bug house “a bug's life and beyond”: Supervised load-in to the bug house.  Managed technical staff and upkeep of all show elements.  Coordinated strike and load-out of the Bug House.  Assisted Facility Manager with clean up and storage of both the El Capitan and the Entertainment Center where the bug house played. “a bug's life” Mall Tour: Hired and directed contractors to provide technical services for the six month tour across the United States, as well as purchased materials for the maintenance and upkeep of six separate stages. As Tech Lead, supervised the six company technicians who were supplemented with twenty-five local crew members during load-in and load-out at each venue.
TECHNICIAN/CARPENTER: Pocahontas Animation Discovery Adventure Tour: During a six month U.S. Tour, supervised local labor for load in, set up and strike. Responsibilities included ensuring sets and extensive audio/visual equipment were maintained to show quality.

Qualifications:
Facility design consultation and construction management; technical writing; show installation; budgeting; project organization and planning; CAD platforms: AutoCAD 2002 (Architectural Desktop 3.0) and VectorWorks 10 (Spotlight, Architect, and Mechanical); Microsoft Office proficient; Lighting and Set Design.



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