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 (2022).

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 (2018), serving as editor and visual-effects artist (among other roles).

The film's visual effects were intensive: according to Tews, "Mike … did over 300 effects shots on the movie".

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 Year Title Role(s) 2018 Lake Michigan Monster Editor, Visual Effects 2022 Hundreds of Beavers Director, Co-writer, Editor, VFX

Reception Hundreds of Beavers has been widely praised in the indie film press, particularly for its inventive, low-budget slapstick and visual originality. Cheslik's VFX work on Lake Michigan Monster has been highlighted in interviews for its creativity and volume.