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. I am a creative artist, director and consultant. Stories are my passion. Designed well, stories can positively transform lives, culture and communities. Story runs throughout everything I do, across multiple mediums — including originating projects in publishing, games, workshops, VR/AR, events, songs, podcasts, branding and interactive experiences.

I co-founded an award-winning story and event project about long-term thinking, authored a book about the true stories people will remember their whole lives, hosted a podcast interviewing entrepreneurs about how they found success, wrote and recorded two albums of original songs, directed multiple virtual reality and game experiences and presented innovative narrative concepts to senior executives at the highest of levels.

I love 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.

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!

On the Pixar campus as a CD at PlayStation

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. More here.

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

Team Builder and Leader
I’ve hired and led creative teams at Sony PlayStation, The Third Floor, Mesmerise, Magic Lantern, Atmospheric and Wide Multimedia.

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

Consultant
I’ve provided consultancy for multiple companies and creative organizations. More than once, a short contract has been extended into years of prototype development, experiential design and team building.


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

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  • "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.

    — 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.

    —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.

    —Shehani Fernando
    StoryFutures Academy

  • Michael is a fantastic Creative Director. Intelligent, articulate and full of charisma - Michael possesses the qualities of a natural team leader. I never failed to notice or appreciate Michael's attention to detail, willingness to listen to feedback and the great efforts he makes to spend time with each member of the team.

    Alkan Hassan, Lead Designer EA

On-camera

Beyond my work developing and directing stories, I also have spent time on the other side — in front of the camera. Here are some examples.