Michael Ogden

Storytelling across mediums.

  • Creative Director, formerly PlayStation, Pixar, BBC

  • Author of the 2DO Before I Die book (9 languages)

  • Co-founder of the award-winning 2269 event project

  • Host and Creator of the Crowd Scene podcast

  • Director or multiple interactive narrative experiences

contact

I’m Michael, a creative artist, author and consultant who likes to make things and help others do the same. I have done this for individuals and organizations as a Creative Director at Sony PlayStation and a director of original projects for Pixar, BBC, CNN and Time-Warner and more.

Storytelling is who I am. It runs throughout everything I do. I co-founded an award-winning story project about long-term thinking, authored a book about the true stories people will always remember in their lives, hosted a podcast about successful entrepreneurs, written and recorded two albums of original songs, acted on screen, directed multiple virtual reality experiences and presented innovative concepts to senior executives at the highest of levels.

I am an honours graduate of USC’s School of Cinema-Television in Los Angeles and a fellow of The Royal Society of Arts.

Hello!

What I do…

Co-Founder
I co-founded an annual 2269 event, as featured in The Boston Globe, BBC, and The Long View.

Creator & Author
Collecting stories from around the world, I created, pitched & sold a book about things to do before you die. Published in 9 languages by Little, Brown and Co.

Creative Director
I worked directly for over a year with Pixar’s story team. Here with Jason Katz, Pixar’s Story Supervisor.

Podcast Creator & Host
I’ve created and hosted two podcasts, interviewing over 50 entrepreneurs in creative industries.

Host / Presenter
As a Creative Director at PlayStation, I worked directly for over a year with Pixar’s story team. Here with Jason Katz,

Singer-Songwriter
I’ve released 5 original indie-rock songs, resulting in over 25k listens. New album out in 2027. More here.

Consultant
As a Creative Director at PlayStation, I worked directly for over a year with Pixar’s story team. Here with Jason Katz, Pixar’s Story Supervisor.

Actor/Director
I’ve directed multiple VR projects, including the award-winning “Mad Factory”. I also wrote and featured in its promo.

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Testimonials

  • "Michael is one of the most dynamic creative thinkers I know, paired with entrepreneurial flair and incredible networking skills.”

    —Sven Petersen Partner at Egon Zehnder

  • "This is what a creative director should be. Mike Ogden is one of the most exciting and generous people I have had the pleasure of working with. A real creative powerhouse, with endless ideas and enthusiasm. But also a person who understands the importance of contemplation, cultivation and collaboration. Working with Mike for the last four years has been fantastic. I would very highly recommend him as a boss, colleague or contractor.”

    — Dan Tucker Immersive Producer & Curator

  • "Michael is strong on story and has a passion to deliver high quality, innovative work. He's an excellent communicator and has a natural enthusiasm that really motivates a team. I hope we get the chance to work together again."

    —Matthew Luhn, PIXAR, Lead Story Supervisor

  • "Michael is one of the most inspiring leaders I've ever worked with. As a creative director, he is a fount of brilliant ideas and inspiration, always able to push concepts to new places, make the most of cutting-edge mediums, and oversee the development of rich and engaging stories. As a leader, he is a champion of the people who work with him, a natural connector who knows just how to encourage creative thinking, communicate across teams, and create a space where everyone feels free to contribute openly. And as a person, he brings so much multidisciplinary talent, intelligence, and warmth to the table. I cannot recommend him strongly enough, and truly believe any company would be lucky to work with him.”

    —Claire Bullen Award-Winning Digital and Print Editor

  • "Michael was thoughtful, punchy and detailed in his Masterclass on 'Crafting The Perfect Pitch'. He was thorough about thinking through how to communicate every element of an idea and giving it every chance of success. He's also so knowledgeable about the XR landscape. Our participants really valued his insights".

    —Shehani Fernando
    StoryFutures Academy