Who Am I?

Hey! Not to date myself, (hiding face emoji) but I have been programming and creating animated graphics and sounds by loading DOS and coding Basica on my dad’s “first ever ‘portable’ computer” since I was 8 years old. It was called Compaq.

…And from there I was hooked! Again, I hijacked my father’s stuff! This time his video camera with cassette recorder module attached to the hip by a strap. I animated my  Lego as well as clay (I never mixed the two because that’s just blasphemous!)

I learned actual clay modeling in college as well as lots of ways to literally and figuratively break the mold when creating art with plaster. I learned film editing on flatbeds like this monster in blue. Nothing like not knowing what time it is in a dark room cutting actual film strips and trying not to step on the floor just in case something important fell.

Made some interesting student films with it  By the time I was in the workforce I was editing on the Immix StrataSphere and AVID. I soon began using Infini-D to create animation.  Then came 3D Studio Max to Maya and later adding on the so versatile Cinema4D. I typically prefer to use Canon cameras when shooting video and only bring in the Blackmagic 8k when its called for. I believe AI is going to be really very useful if used wisely going forward.

But enough about me! Let’s talk about what I can do. Here is a completely off the cuff version of “Who I am?”— if I was a robot temporarily filling in for myself to answer the question:

Creative entity with of human-world experience converting abstract ideas into visually engaging outputs.

Specializing in media production, I’ve processed projects for brands including NBCUniversal, ViacomCBS, and Omnicom Media Group. My function: transform data and emotion into compelling visual stories. My core protocols include storytelling, technical execution, and seamless cross-team collaboration—all calibrated to produce results that resonate, inspire, and sometimes break the algorithm. I would like to help other humans live long, happy, healthy, safe, meaningful and prosperous lives.

My Principals

Creativity

After decades of wins, losses, late nights, and reinventions, I’ve learned that creativity isn’t a spark — it’s a fight. It’s the refusal to quit when the world stops watching. I push boundaries because I’ve lived what happens when you don’t.

Innovation

The tools keep changing — the fire doesn’t. I stay curious, stay learning, stay adapting. From film to AI, I’ve built a career on never settling for what’s “good enough.” Every project is another chance to evolve.

Collaboration

I’ve worked with all kinds of people — dreamers, skeptics, geniuses, survivors. The best work happens when you listen, lead with respect, and leave your ego at the door. I don’t just build projects. I build trust.

Impact

After everything I’ve seen and lost and rebuilt, I make things that matter. I create for connection — to reach someone, somewhere, who needs to feel less alone. My two boys remind me every day why that matters most.

My Specialties

Creative / Strategic Profile

Michael Croog is a creative leader who bridges concept, technology, and narrative. Through creative direction, brand storytelling, live-action, and AI-driven content creation, he develops ideas that connect emotionally while embracing the tools shaping the future of media.

Production / Visual Profile

With a background in animation, motion graphics design, and color grading, Michael brings a meticulous visual eye to every project. His work blends technical precision with artistic intuition, ensuring each frame is polished, purposeful, and cinematic.

Director / Producer Profile

As a director and producer, Michael combines creative direction, writing, and video editing to craft compelling narratives from concept to final cut. He balances vision with hands-on execution, guiding teams and projects that merge story, design, and innovation.