Michael Clohesy: The Man Behind the Scenes
When the curtain rises and the crowd roars, Michael Clohesy is already hard at work, making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. As a technical producer and creative visionary, he’s become the secret ingredient in some of the most memorable live events and broadcasts of our time.
How it All Started
Michael’s career journey began in Bendigo, Australia, where his fascination with media first took root. This interest led him to La Trobe University, where he studied Visual Arts with a focus on Photography. His talent was evident early on, as he snagged the university’s Acquisitive Art Prize in 2006.
After graduation, Clohesy faced a tough job market. But instead of getting discouraged, he got creative. He jumped into Melbourne’s vibrant music scene as a journalist, reviewing concerts and interviewing artists. This experience, while different from his current role, laid the groundwork for his future success. It taught him how to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and capture the essence of live performances.
Adapting and Thriving in Media Production
The real game-changer came in 2010 when Clohesy landed a TV production traineeship in Sydney. It was a big move, but Clohesy saw it as a stepping stone to bigger things. And he was right.
Over the next decade, Clohesy made his mark in Australia’s television industry. Amongst his diverse clientele, he worked on the prime-time hit game show “The Chase,” the award-winning news bulletin “The Project,” the internationally acclaimed Australian Open tennis tournament and the seminal children’s education program “Playschool” – all experiences that helped contribute toward building his reputation for technical excellence and creative problem-solving.
But it was his work at the Sydney Opera House that took Clohesy’s talents to the next level.
One of Clohesy’s career highlights came when the Opera House sought him out to work on the 2018 Invictus Games. On his very first day on the job, Clohesy helped helm the technical visual production for Prince Harry’s keynote speech from the steps of the Sydney Opera House. It was a high-stakes project, broadcast globally to millions of viewers. Clohesy rose to the challenge, delivering a flawless production that showcased his ability to perform under pressure.
During his tenure at the Opera House, Clohesy was a key member of the technical team behind some unforgettable performances. He expertly captured the Wu-Tang Clan’s 25th Anniversary concert, was personally recommended to help design the visual aesthetic for the global broadcast of The Cure’s 30th Anniversary and helped give a platform to a swathe of prescient thought leaders from around the world including TIME Magazine’s 2018 Person Of The Year, Maria Ressa, as part of the Opera House’s Antidote Festival. These weren’t just gigs but cultural milestones, and Clohesy made sure they were recorded perfectly for global audiences.
Where some might see comfort in having obtained such success, Clohesy isn’t one to rest on his laurels. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, rather than retreat, Clohesy instead saw an opportunity to expand his horizons. With a Canadian work visa in hand, he made the bold move to Vancouver. Within weeks that bold move paid off, as he landed a coveted position as a Technical Producer for TED Conferences.
At TED, Clohesy practices adaptive creativity as he faces new challenges head-on. He works with some of the world’s most innovative thinkers, ensuring their ideas are presented in the best possible light to audiences worldwide. It’s a role that requires a unique blend of technical expertise, creativity, and people skills – all areas where Clohesy excels.
Michael’s talent isn’t just limited to TED talks. He’s become a go-to Technical Producer, Director and Engineer for big names like Apple, Netflix, and Red Bull when they need to put on a show. Not only that, Michael’s now a reputable Camera Director for the live concert performances of A-list artists such as Ja Rule, TLC, Mother Mother and perhaps one of the only people in the world bigger than Taylor Swift, Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh. TV producers love him too – you’ve probably seen his work without even knowing it. He’s been behind the scenes on hit shows like “Dancing With The Stars,” “The 1% Club” and “Would I Lie To You?”
His proven track record of versatility, adaptability and reliability has made Michael Clohesy a sought-after professional in his industry with an illustrious career that spans continents.
Clohesy’s Innovative Touch and Future Plans
What sets Clohesy apart is his innovative approach to his work. He sees each project as an opportunity to push boundaries and try new things. This mindset was particularly valuable during the pandemic when he had to quickly adapt to creating engaging virtual events.
But here’s the thing – Clohesy’s success isn’t just about being tech-savvy. He’s got a real gift for storytelling, and he knows how to use tech to make those stories come alive. The result? Productions that don’t just impress but immerse you, leaving a lasting impression.
Looking to the future, Clohesy is excited about the possibilities in live production. As technology continues to evolve, he sees opportunities to create even more engaging and interactive experiences. And you can bet he’ll be at the forefront of these innovations.
