Mike attended Ryerson University from 2015 to 2019, earning his Bachelor of Arts in the Radio Television Arts: Sport Media program. While in RTA, Mike learned the ins and outs of studio/broadcast production, content development and marketing, and grew especially fond of feature and documentary production.
During his time at Ryerson University, Mike received a number of awards and scholarships:
-TARA Award - Best Documentary (PARA)
-Charles & Marion Recupero Sport Media Documentary Award (PARA)
-Sportsnet Award for Best Live Coverage (Ryerson Rams Basketball Broadcast - Manny Feature)
Check out some of his work from his time in RTA below!
PARA
Attic Productions Logo by Mike Cowley
Awards
TARA Award - Best Documentary - 2019
Charles & Marion Recupero Sport Media Documentary Award - 2018
PARA is a documentary exploring the worlds of Paralympic hopefuls Austin Smeenk, Marissa Papaconstantinou and Cody Salomons. Follow along with the Attic Productions team as they learn more about the world of Paralympic athletes, and what it takes to get the highest level.
Attic Productions is a documentary team made up of friends; Aaron Hamilton, Ahmad Abu-Kwiek, Connor Dobos, and Mike Cowley. Mike worked as the Director / Director of Photography on this project, bringing creative visual ideas to life with unique camera work, and a collaborative team effort.
MANNY
Awards & Nominations:
Sportsnet Award for Best Live Production (2018)
Nominated: TARA Award for Best Sport Feature (2019)
MANNY is a two part feature on Ammanuel ‘Manny’ Diressa, a Ryerson University, Basketball Canada, and Regent Park star. This two part feature takes a look at the role the Regent Park community has played in his life thus far, and the role he plays in his community. MANNY premiered on an award
winning Rams Live broadcast, the two-part feature was also nominated for a TARA Award for Best Sports Feature.
Mike was proud to work as an Assistant Director and Camera Operator alongside Producer Natasha Cyrille, DOP/Editor Hung Le, and camera operator Connor Nicholl-Penman. This project brought the group away from the Ryerson environment, allowing them to explore different themes of community and bond, beyond sport.
An Invisible Force
An Invisible Force is a photo series and documentary exploring the history and pattern of sexual misconduct within the Canadian Armed Forces.
Mike was the Director of the An Invisible Force documentary, working closely with the Editor Ahmad Abu-Kwiek, DOP Hung Le, and Producers Natasha Cyrille and Madelyn Harris. The Peridot Productions team also featured Photographer Cara Gilhula and Julia Bellini, who focused their efforts on the An Invisible Force photo project.
Peridot Productions Logo by Mike Cowley
The Sport Project
The Sport Project is a documentary taking a look at the various ways sport impacts culture and society, this, the first edition of The Sport Project, hears from the perspective of students. Produced and Directed by Professor Joseph Recupero, The Sport Project dives deep into complex narratives and philosophy around sport. Mike worked on this project as a Camera Operator and Photographer.
