Meet Michelle Künzler | Writer, Director, Production Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Künzler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
For me, success primarily hinges on self-discipline and passion. They’re inherently intertwined in my view. My passion fuels the determination to pursue my goals and endure hardships, while self-discipline gives me the structure and consistency needed to transform my passion into tangible achievements. Without passion, it is hard for me to stay focused and committed, and without self-discipline, I tend to procrastinate. In other words, passion can dissipate into unfulfilled potential if there is a lack of direction.
Reflecting on my preparation for shooting my thesis film “Sequoia” in October 2023, during my final semester at New York Film Academy, I attribute the realization of the project to my willpower and determination. However, my passion and devotion for the project were what kept me going and persevering through numerous obstacles I faced during pre-production and production. Filmmaking is undeniably challenging, yet it’s the combination of passion and self-discipline that ultimately ensures success in this demanding field.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Writing has always been a driving force in my life, yet it was at New York Film Academy that I discovered my love for a different form of storytelling: production design. Given my creativity and love for arts and crafts, production design felt like a natural fit. I enjoy combining my interest in interior design and prop making with my attention to detail and appreciation for symbolism in writing. Through production design, you can reveal so much about the film’s world, characters, and underlying themes, as well as the personal style of a director (think Wes Anderson), without having to heavily rely on dialogue. I believe that production design is what lends authenticity to the film’s world and breathes life into its characters.
What sets me apart from others is my thoughtful and creative approach to both writing and production design as I always strive for uniqueness, absolute precision, and authenticity to ensure accurate representation. As a production designer, I also take pride in my resourcefulness and strong work ethic, adept at improvising and problem-solving in any (challenging) situation. As an empath and feminist filmmaker, I want to write and direct stories that promote compassion, deconstruct outdated stereotypes and gender roles, and inspire positive change.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles has a lot to offer. As a European, I particularly enjoy the Venice Canals in the heart of Venice Beach for their European ambiance, perfect for a leisurely stroll on a sunny day. Another favorite spot of mine is Echo Park, where you can enjoy a ride on swan pedal boats against the backdrop of the city skyline. For breathtaking sunsets, I recommend visiting Santa Monica Pier or the Griffith Observatory.
When it comes to dining, La Piazza at The Grove and Laurel Hardware are must-visit spots with their incredible food, drinks, and charming outdoor patios. The Grove is also a fantastic destination for shopping and relaxation, especially during the christmas season when it’s decorated with beautiful lights and even features a simulated snowfall, creating a magical atmosphere.
And of course, no trip to LA is complete without seeing the iconic Hollywood sign. Hiking to the top of the hill offers stunning views of the cityscape.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Since I was a little girl, I’ve been captivated by the world of cinema, and I owe much of this fascination to my mother. Whenever she returned from her grocery trips, she would bring home a new DVD for me, which I eagerly watched on my small DVD player. This DVD tradition which has become a cherished memory is what ignited my enduring love and passion for film. My mother is also the one who encouraged me to pursue my dreams and study Filmmaking at New York Film Academy.
Yet, it was only through the financial support of my father that I was privileged enough to embark on this academic journey and pursue my filmmaking aspirations. His unwavering backing sustained me through both my studies and cinematic endeavors.
In addition to my parents’ support, my brother has been a constant source of strength, lifting me up during moments of adversity and discouragement. In essence, I owe deep gratitude to my family who has consistently believed in me and stood by my side throughout my journey.
Lastly, I would like to thank my screenwriting instructor, Sanora Bartels, and editing instructor, Matteo Nurizzo, at New York Film Academy. Their guidance has enabled me to hone my craft and delve deeper into my creativity, becoming a better storyteller.

Website: https://mikuenzler.wixsite.com/michelle-k-nzler—w

Instagram: @mck_movies

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellekuenzler

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15486752/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Image Credits
Robert Nguyen, Gabrielle Desroches, Santiago De Alba