Michele Esteves is the co-founder and creative producer of Closest_eves Films, an independent film production company that she started in collaboration with her chef and surfer husband, Lucas Esteves in 2010.
Michele has a life long interest in Arts and Humanity, and is a long term supporter of organisations such as Oxfam, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the International Crisis Group. Michele spent 8 years studying International Relations, Arts and Commerce at the University of Wollongong.
In 2005, whilst undertaking her thesis on the Colombian civil war, Michele moved abroad to Latin America, her no.2 passion in life. Spending 7 months living in and exploring: Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras Mexico and Peru. In 2006, Michele returned to Latin America for another 2 months, this time visiting Chile and returning to Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico and Peru.
But in 2008, following a 3 month internship at Oxfam Community Aid Abroad in Sydney, Australia. Michele was drawn away from pursuing a lifelong career in international development and foreign affairs by the pull of her no.1 passion, films. After a sudden realisation that she could reach more people through entertainment then through research papers.
In 2008, Michele commenced work at Australia's premiere theatrical talent agency, Shanahan Management. As assistant to the Finance Manager, Business Affairs Manager and to the Literary and Director's Agent, the adorable, Nellie Flannery. Surrounded by some of Australia's best filmmakers, Michele learnt firsthand the inner workings and dealings of talent agencies. But her real passion lay in Producing.
In 2009, Michele was able to translate her talent agency experience into production crew work. Michele's first credit was the coming of age short film, The Red Dot (Prod: Tracey Savage; Dir: Pauline Findlay). Michele worked as Production Secretary and assisted with the casting and contracting of talent and extras.
By 2010, Michele was able to transition into feature film production. With her première credit as Travel and Assistant Production Co-ordinator on the Australian feature film, A Heartbeat Away (Exec Prod: Chris Brown; Prod: Chris Fitchett; Dir: Gale Edwards).
Michele has since commenced freelance work on a long-form documentary with Vidiola Productions and an internship with Kristina Ceyton of Causeway Films (The Ground Beneath, Small Boxes).
Michele will soon return with her husband, Lucas to his native country, Brazil. Michele and Lucas will explore Chile, Brazil and Argentina with their still camera, her notepad and his surfboard in hand searching for human stories.
This blog will follow the stories Michele and Lucas will discover as she searches for film projects for her independent film production company, Closest_eves Films.
