Mike Cheslik


Mike Cheslik is an American filmmaker, editor and visual effects artist, best known for the independent features Lake Michigan Monster and Hundreds of Beavers.

Early life

Cheslik grew up in Wisconsin.

Career

He has worked professionally as an animator, editor and visual effects artist.

''Lake Michigan Monster''

Cheslik first collaborated with Ryland Brickson Cole Tews on the microbudget black-and-white film Lake Michigan Monster, serving as editor and visual-effects artist.
The film's visual effects were intensive: according to Tews, "Mike … did over 300 effects shots on the movie".

''Hundreds of Beavers'' (2022)

In Hundreds of Beavers, Cheslik made his feature directorial debut in a largely dialogue-free slapstick comedy co-written with Tews.
The film was produced for approximately US$150,000 and shot over two Wisconsin winters.
Following its festival run, Cheslik and his team self-distributed the film, selling theatrical, Blu-ray and VOD rights independently. According to Filmmaker Magazine, the film ultimately earned more than double its production budget through this release model.

Style and themes

Critics and interviewers have described Cheslik's style as a hybrid of silent-era slapstick and physical comedy with a strong visual effects component.
In an interview, Cheslik said their filmmaking process involves drawing gags on notecards and building the film around these visual ideas rather than traditional scripts.

Selected filmography

Reception