**FREE** Q&Awards: MICHAEL Q&A

Sponsored by Lionsgate

MICHAEL is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known. The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins. (Synopsis by Lionsgate)

JOHN OTTMAN, ACE – EDITOR 

John Ottman is recognized as one of the only filmmakers to simultaneously serve in multiple major capacities on a single film. He is best known for his dual roles of editor and composer on modern classics such as The Usual Suspects, X2: X-Men United, Superman Returns, and Valkyrie to achieve a rare level of creative cohesion.

Throughout his career, Ottman has remained a distinguished creative force in Hollywood, consistently serving as the primary architect of a film's rhythm, drama, and soundscape. His involvement also extends to producing, with credits including executive producer on Valkyrie and co-producer on X-Men: Apocalypse. He also directed, edited, and scored Urban Legends: Final Cut.

His ability to wear multiple hats proved pivotal during the production of Bohemian Rhapsody (2018). Following the mid-production departure of the director, Ottman effectively took the reins, shepherding the film through a high-stakes post-production process. He led the effort to preserve the film’s narrative structure and protect its emotional core.

His extensive filmography includes providing iconic musical themes for films ranging from Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and The Nice Guys to the blockbuster X-Men franchise and the first two Fantastic Four films.

His accolades include an Academy Award® and an ACE Eddie Award for Bohemian Rhapsody, as well as a BAFTA for The Usual Suspects.

A consummate filmmaker, Ottman is also in development on several projects as director.

HARRY YOON, ACE – EDITOR 

Harry Yoon is a Korean American editor based in Los Angeles. Yoon received an ACE Eddie Award for his work on the pilot for “Beef,” the A24 and Netflix series starring Primetime Emmy® Award winners Steven Yeun and Ali Wong.

Yoon edited the critically acclaimed Academy Award®- and Golden Globe® Award-winning feature Minari for director Lee Isaac Chung, Plan B Entertainment, and A24. Yoon’s work earned him both ACE Eddie and Satellite Award nominations. Yoon is currently working on Spider-Man: Brand New Day for Marvel and Sony, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton.

Yoon also edited Destin Daniel Cretton’s well-received Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, which was released by Marvel and Disney in 2021. He also worked on Marvel’s Thunderbolts directed by Jake Schreier and starring Florence Pugh.

Yoon worked on the first season of HBO and A24’s ground-breaking drama, “Euphoria,” created by Sam Levinson. He also collaborated with Plan B and A24 as an additional editor on The Last Black Man in San Francisco directed by Joe Talbot, which premiered at Sundance. Yoon co-edited Detroit, directed by Kathryn Bigelow. He met Kathryn and his co-editor Billy Goldenberg while serving as the VFX Editor on Bigelow’s Zero Dark Thirty.

Yoon edited the historical drama The Best of Enemies, written and directed by Robin Bissell; and worked as an additional editor on Universal Pictures’ Frist Man, directed by Damien Chazelle. He also edited the MGM feature The Fire Inside, directed by Rachel Morrison.

Yoon’s previous credits include HBO's “The Newsroom” and several feature films that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, including Drunktown’s Finest directed by Sydney Freeland and Half-Life directed by Jennifer Phang.