Over the past decade, Michael’s passion for file-based acquisition talent and toolsets has helped give new shape to progressive filmmaking techniques. In 2003, he co-founded and built PlasterCITY Digital Post into one of Hollywood’s preeminent desktop-based post production facilities. Now CEO of LIGHT IRON Digital, Michael has served as a Digital Intermediate Supervisor on over 200 feature films and provided 2D and 3D data-centric post production advisory support on projects such as Avatar, Pirates of the Caribbean 4, and Space Chimps 2.
Michael believes strongly in empowering clients through education. He is a founding member and instructor at RED's official training program, REDucation, has instructed HDExpo/Createasphere’s Panasonic P2 Workshop and Color Camp 101 as well as numerous events and online classes for content creators. Mr. Cioni sits on the Board of Directors of both the Hollywood Post Alliance and Filmmakers Alliance and he served as an adjunct faculty member for USC's Annenberg School of Journalism.
Before moving to Hollywood, Michael worked in television with a PBS affiliate in Illinois. He became the youngest recipient of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences “Best Informational Program” when his syndicated program alt.news 26:46 won a combined four Regional Emmys in 2001 and 2002.
Michael is a graduate of Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications and Media Arts.
