Revision 749470203 of "Michael Skolnik" on enwiki

{{Infobox person
| name = Michael Skolnik
| nationality = American
| other_names =
| image = 
| image_size =
| caption = 
| birth_name = 
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1978|8|15}}
| birth_place = [[Mount Kisco, New York]], United States
| residence = [[New York City|New York]], [[New York (state)|New York]], United States
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_cause =
| known_for = Television personality and news commentator
| occupation = President of GlobalGrind.com
| party = 
| title =
| years_active = 
| religion = 
| children = 
| spouse = 
}}
'''Michael Skolnik''' (born August 15, 1978) is a [[Americans|American]] business executive, entrepreneur, film producer, television personality, news commentator, [[civil rights]] activist and motivational speaker.

Skolnik is president of [[Def Jam]] founder [[Russell Simmons]]' GlobalGrind.com and has the title of "political director".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://globalgrind.com |title=The World According to Hip-Pop |publisher=Global Grind |date= |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref> Prior to this, Skolnik spent twelve years a film director and producer.

==Early life and education==
Skolnik was born in [[Mount Kisco, New York]] and grew up in [[Katonah, New York]]. He graduated from [[John Jay High School (Cross River, New York)|John Jay High School]] in [[Westchester County, New York]] in 1996.

Skolnik's mother, Martha, after running a lunch café and bakery for 16 years, embarked on a film career, serving as Skolnik's editor on many of his films.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0804617/|title=Martha Skolnik|publisher=IMDb.com|accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref> Skolnik's father, Simon, is chairman of the Conservation Board of [[Bedford Hills, New York]] in the [[Bedford (town), New York|Town of Bedford]] and is the vice president of the [[New York State Association of Conservation Commissions]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2014}}

His brother,{{Citation needed|date=October 2014}} Max Skolnik, is the founder of Kid Power DC<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kidpowerdc.org|website=Kid Power DC}}</ref> and currently is the Director of National Programs at the My Brother's Keeper Alliance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mbkalliance.org|website=My Brother's Keeper Alliance}}</ref>

He graduated from the [[University of California, Los Angeles]] in 2000, where he majored in theater.<ref>http://articles.latimes.com/2001/jul/27/local/me-27253</ref>

==Career==

===Film===
In 1998, at the age of 20, Skolnik began his film career as Executive Producer of Danny Hoch’s ''Jails, Hospitals and Hip-Hop''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0210130/|title=Jails, Hospitals & Hip-Hop (2000)|publisher=IMDb.com|accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref>  While filming a scene for Jails in Cuba, Skolnik was intrigued to return to the island to film a movie about baseball.

Skolnik’s directorial debut was the award-winning ''La Esquina Caliente,''<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/movies/movie/209868/La-Esquina-Caliente/overview |title=La-Esquina-Caliente - Trailer - Cast - Showtimes |publisher=NYTimes.com |date= |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref> a documentary about the baseball games between the Baltimore Orioles and the Cuban National Team that took place in 1999.  The film premiered on the Sundance Channel.

His next film would be ''[[Hooked: The Legend of Demetrius “Hook” Mitchell]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0389010/|title=Hooked: The Legend of Demetrius Hook Mitchell (2003)|publisher=IMDb.com|accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref> a documentary film about one of the greatest playground basketball legends to ever play the game.  Hooked made its world premiere at the 2003 [[Tribeca Film Festival]] and premiered on NBA-TV and MTV.

In 2004, Skolnik co-produced and associate produced two documentaries for HBO: [[America Undercover]] series: Back in the Hood: Gang War II<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0429630/|title=Back in the Hood: Gang War 2 (2004)|publisher=IMDb.com|accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref> directed by [[Marc Levin]] (Slam, Thug Life) and ''Heir to an Execution: A Granddaughter’s Story,''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0388996/|title=Heir to an Execution (2004)|publisher=IMDb.com|accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref> a film directed by the granddaughter of [[Julius  and Ethel Rosenberg]], which made its world premiere at the [[Sundance Film Festival]].

Also in that year, Skolnik made his feature film directorial debut with the award-winning, ''On the Outs,'' which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and won the Grand Jury Prize & the Audience Award at the 2005 Slamdance Film Festival.  He was nominated for a Gotham Breakthrough Director Award and an IFP Indie Spirit Award for Best Feature.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0389235/|title=On the Outs (2004)|publisher=IMDb.com|accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref>  ''On the Outs'' played theatrically around the United States and in France, and had a televised broadcast on the Showtime Network.<ref>{{cite news|last=Holden |first=Stephen |url=http://www.nytimes.com/movies/movie/315423/On-the-Outs/overview |title=On-the-Outs - Trailer - Cast - Showtimes |publisher=NYTimes.com |date=2005-07-13 |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref>

''[[Filmmaker (magazine)|Filmmaker]]'' magazine named him 25 filmmakers to watch in 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.filmmakermagazine.com/archives/issues/summer2005/features/25_faces21-25.php#.Up9wAJEeJB8 |title=25 NEW FACES OF INDEPENDENT FILM 2005 - Filmmaker Magazine - Summer 2005 |publisher=Filmmaker Magazine |date= |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref>

After ''On the Outs'', Skolnik signed a deal to be represented by [[William Morris Endeavor]].

In 2005, Skolnik began a film project about Grammy Award winning artist, [[Wyclef Jean]]’s quest to bring peace to his homeland, Haiti.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gt3MJ2ZTJ1s |title=Wyclef Jean "Sou Sou" Music Video |publisher=YouTube |date= |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref> He filmed for over 4 years, however the film is still incomplete.

In 2006, Skolnik co-directed ''Lockdown, USA,'' a documentary film about Russell Simmons and his quest to end New York State’s Rockefeller Drug Laws, that premiered at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival and aired on the [[IFC (U.S. TV network)|IFC]] Channel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0479971/|title=Lockdown, USA (2006)|publisher=IMDb.com|accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref>

Also in that year, Skolnik directed ''[[Without the King]],'' a documentary film about the last ruling monarch in Africa, King Mswati III of Swaziland.  The film premiered at the 2007 Full Frame Film Festival and was awarded the Special Jury Prize at the 2007 HotDocs Film Festival.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/movies/movie/453044/Without-the-King/details |title=Without-the-King - Cast, Crew, Director and Awards |publisher=NYTimes.com |date=2008-04-25 |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref>

In 2007, Skolnik signed a development deal with Universal Studios and was working on a film for Imagine, produced by Brian Grazer, about the last four days of President Jean-Betrande Aristide’s time in Haiti.

In 2008, Skolnik produced the indie-feature, ''[[Entre nos|Entre Nos]],'' starring Paola Mendoza and co-directed by Gloria La Morte and Paola Mendoza.  The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and was awarded an Honorable Mention Prize.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tribecafilm.com/filmguide/archive/512cd8461c7d76e046000002-entre-nos |title=Entre nos &#124; Tribeca Film Festival |publisher=Tribecafilm.com |date= |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref>

Inspired by the 2008 election of Barack Obama, Skolnik decided to leave the film business to pursue a new career in social justice and new media.

===GlobalGrind===
In early 2009, Skolnik was hired by Russell Simmons to serve as the political editor for GlobalGrind.com, an online destination founded by Simmons and Accel Partners.  GlobalGrind.com is Hip-Pop, the "hip" side of popular culture.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crunchbase.com/company/globalgrind |title=Global Grind &#124; CrunchBase Profile |publisher=Crunchbase.com |date= |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref> Chronicling celebrities, lifestyle content, entertainment news, fashion, music and politics with an authoritative voice, GlobalGrind reaches over 4.7 million people a month, serving a large multi-racial segment of the 18-34 population.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.quantcast.com/globalgrind.com/traffic/mobileweb |title=Globalgrind.com Traffic and Demographic Statistics by Quantcast |publisher=Quantcast.com |date=2013-11-29 |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref>

Quickly moving up through the ranks, Skolnik was named the Editor-In-Chief and the co-President of the company in early 2011.  During this time, Skolnik led a social media strategy that currently connects with 400,000 Twitter followers, 40,000 Instagram followers and 485,000k fans on Facebook.

He currently oversees a staff of 25 and is the sole President of the company and oversees all editorial content on the site.

After his eleven-year, award-winning career as a film director and producer, Skolnik decided to change career paths and follow his true passion: becoming a television personality and news commentator, blogging on GlobalGrind.com, creating social media campaigns organizing young people to engage and be heard in the political process.  In 2009, Skolnik became "political director" to hip-hop executive, Russell Simmons.

As political director of Russell Simmons, Skolnik oversees Simmons’ social justice and political activities, including relationships with elected officials.

In 2009, Skolnik and Russell Simmons worked with grassroots organizers to drastically reform the [[Rockefeller Drug Laws]]. Former New York Governor [[David Paterson]] signed a new bill reforming this 36-year-old law, thus re-sentencing thousands of inmates who had been given lengthy mandatory sentences for low-level drug offenses and re-configuring the entire criminal court system in New York State.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/drug-law-reform/index.html |title=Drug Law Reform - NY DCJS |publisher=Criminaljustice.ny.gov |date= |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref>

Skolnik currently serves on the Board of Directors for the [[Drug Policy Alliance]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.drugpolicy.org/staff-and-board/board-directors |title=Board of Directors and Honorary Board &#124; Drug Policy Alliance |publisher=Drugpolicy.org |date= |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref>

In 2009, after the violent death of Chicago teenager, Derrion Albert, Skolnik began a new media campaign bringing attention to the youth violence epidemic of America.  Writing thousands of articles on GlobalGrind.com about the deaths of young people across the country, Skolnik became a leading voice around the issues of violence, in general.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://globalgrind.com/tag/he-has-a-name/ |title=He has a name |publisher=Global Grind |date= |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref>  On February 26, 2012, Skolnik reported on the death of [[Trayvon Martin]] as part of his series.

On March 19, 2012, Skolnik published an op-ed, entitled, “White People, You Will Never Look Suspicious Like Trayvon Martin.”<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://globalgrind.com/2012/03/19/michael-skolnik-trayvon-martin-george-zimmerman-race-sanford-florida-photos-pictures/ |title=White People, You Will Never Look Suspicious Like Trayvon Martin by Michael Skolnik |publisher=Global Grind |date=2012-03-19 |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref>  Following this release, Skolnik appeared on numerous national broadcasts discussing the complicated issues surrounding the death of the teenager. He appeared on CNN,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHJN-0zAXK8 |title=White privilege vs. racial profiling |publisher=YouTube |date= |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref> MSNBC,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/52482085/ns/msnbc/#.Up-G4JEeJB8 |title=Sunday, July 14 - msnbc |publisher=NBC News |date=2013-07-15 |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref> Fox News, NPR, BBC and numerous other outlets. He reported on the murder trial of [[George Zimmerman]] from within the courtroom and was a regular commentator on the cable news networks during the trial.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=200763391 |title=Zimmerman Trial In The Court Of Public Opinion |publisher=NPR |date=2013-07-10 |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref>

Skolnik currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Trayvon Martin Foundation, founded by Trayvon Martin's parents Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://trayvonmartinfoundation.org/about-us/board-members/ |title=Our Board Members |publisher=Trayvon Martin Foundation |date= |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref>

Skolnik has worked with the Obama administration on various issues and actions.  In 2011, Skolnik co-led an effort organizing the first Urban Entrepreneur Summit sponsored by the White House, which took place in [[Newark, New Jersey]] in June of that year.  He also served on Vice President [[Joseph Biden]]'s task force on gun violence.<ref>{{cite web|last=Victoria |first=Lauren |url=http://politic365.com/2013/01/16/youth-promise-act-will-violence-prevention-bill-be-in-obama-gun-violence-plan/ |title=Youth PROMISE Act: Will Violence Prevention Bill Be in Obama Gun Violence Plan? |publisher=Politic365 |date=2013-01-16 |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref>  And in 2012, Skolnik joined the Obama re-election campaign as an official surrogate, campaigning across the country and engaging with young people through traditional and social media.<ref>{{cite web|last=Patten |first=Dominic |url=http://www.deadline.com/2012/11/hollywood-for-obama-romney-star-surrogates-out-on-final-campaign-day/ |title=Hollywood For Obama & Romney: Star Surrogates Out On Final Campaign Day |publisher=Deadline.com |date= |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref>

In 2013, Skolnik, Simmons and Dr. Boyce Watkins organized an open letter to President Obama urging him to end the “War on Drugs” and deal with issue of mass incarceration.  The letter was signed by various civil rights groups and leaders, including The [[National Association for the Advancement of Colored People|NAACP]], [[National Urban League]], [[National Action Network]], The Drug Policy Alliance, [[Julian Bond]] and [[Harry Belafonte]], as well as musicians, actors and entertainment personalities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yourblackworld.net/lettertothepresident/ |title=Mr. President, Let’s End the War on Drugs |publisher=Your Black World |date= |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref>

Skolnik and Simmons have worked on federal legislation, working with and advocating on behalf of young people for historical bills like: repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/russell-simmons/stop-the-lying-repeal-don_b_712423.html |title=Russell Simmons: Stop the Lying: Repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' |publisher=Huffingtonpost.com |date=2010-09-10 |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref> Youth PROMISE Act,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/matthew-albracht/over-100-prominent-public_b_3088342.html |title=Matthew Albracht: Prominent Public Leaders and Entertainers Write Pres. Obama Urging Criminal Justice Reform |publisher=Huffingtonpost.com |date=2013-04-17 |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref> Green Jobs initiative,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/russell-simmons/dear-sen-feinstein-sen-ha_b_718859.html |title=Russell Simmons: Dear Sen. Feinstein & Sen. Hatch, Let's Stop Sending Our Kids to Prison! |publisher=Huffingtonpost.com |date=2010-09-16 |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref> G.I. Bill 2.0, National Criminal Justice Commission Act<ref>[http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG-111shrg56273/pdf] {{dead link|date=December 2013}}</ref> and the DREAM Act.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/UncleRUSH/statuses/213818084400697344 |title=Twitter / UncleRUSH: Proud of President @BarackObama's |publisher=Twitter.com |date= |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref>

Skolnik campaigned to legalize [[same-sex marriage]] in New York and Maryland with [[Brendon Ayanbadejo]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://bruni.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/22/carrying-a-cause-to-the-super-bowl/?_r=0|title=Carrying a Cause to the Super Bowl|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref>

===Television personality===
Skolnik is represented by [[William Morris Endeavor]] and appears regularly on MSNBC,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.com/the-cycle/watch/obamas-surprising-record-on-pardons-54359619585 |title=Obama’s surprising record on pardons |publisher=MSNBC |date=2013-10-15 |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref> CNN<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/bestoftv/2013/07/02/lemon-special-marsalis-skolnik-n-word-hip-hop.cnn.html|title=CNN Video - Breaking News Videos from |publisher=CNN.com |date= |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref> and Fox News<ref>{{cite web|url=http://foxnewsinsider.com/2013/08/06/michael-skolnik-and-laura-ingraham-debate-rapper-jay-zs-hbo-comments-middle-class |title=Michael Skolnik and Laura Ingraham Debate Rapper Jay Z's HBO Comments on the Middle Class |publisher=Fox News Insider |date=2013-08-06 |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref> discussing and analyzing current political topics of the day.

Skolnik has delivered keynote addresses and participated in panel discussions at Princeton University, Yale University, UCLA, NYU, Georgetown University, University of Michigan, Tulane University, Howard University, American University, Southern University, University of Wisconsin, University of Delaware, University of Idaho, the Wanderlust Festival<ref>{{cite web|url=http://austin.wanderlustfestival.com/connect/blog/speakeasy-guest-michael-skolnik-i-have-dream-50-years-later |title=Speakeasy Guest Michael Skolnik: "I Have A Dream" 50 Years Later |publisher=Austin.wanderlustfestival.com |date=1963-08-28 |accessdate=2013-12-05}}</ref> as well as at rallies and private functions.

===Dot2Dot===
In 2009, Skolnik co-founded Dot2Dot, a community of young leaders from around the country who discuss the challenges that their generation face. Throughout the year they convene to discuss how their generation can more effectively work together on multiple issues.{{Citation needed|date=October 2014}}

===Fundraising===
Skolnik has been involved in creative fundraising efforts dating back to 2000 when he raised $250,000 to bring 24 young people to [[Cuba]] for a cultural exchange.<ref>[http://www.today.ucla.edu/portal/ut/PRN-000725kids.aspx "Kids Study Theater, Share Culture in Cuba"] UCLA Today. Retrieved 2013-3-12.</ref>  Since that time he has raised money to finance movies, books, social justice, political campaigns and non-profit organizations.  In October 2013, Skolnik raised $165,000 to support a violence intervention program in New York, which was on the verge of closing its doors.<ref>[https://www.crowdtilt.com/campaigns/give-life-to-life-camp-no-more-bullets-in-the-hood "Give life to LIFE Camp! No More Bullets in the Hood!"] Crowdtilt.com. Retrieved 2014-3-12.</ref>

==Personal life==
Skolnik's long-time girlfriend and mother of his son, Mateo Ali, is [[Paola Mendoza]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2014}}

==Filmography==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year !! Film !! Producer !! Director
|-
| 1999 || ''La Esquina Client'' || YES || YES
|-
| 2000 || ''Jails, Hospitals & Hip-Hop'' || YES ||
|-
| 2003 || ''Hooked: The Legend of Demetrius Hook Mitchell'' || YES || YES
|-
| 2004 || ''Heir to an Execution'' || YES ||
|-
| 2004 || ''On the Outs'' || YES || YES
|-
| 2004 || ''Back in the Hood: Gang War 2'' || YES ||
|-
| 2005 || ''Protocols of Zion'' || YES ||
|-
| 2006 || ''Autumn’s Eyes'' || YES ||
|-
| 2006 || ''Still Standing'' || YES ||
|-
| 2006 || ''Lockdown, USA'' || YES || YES
|-
| 2007 || ''[[Without the King]]'' || YES || YES
|-
| 2009 || ''Entre nos'' || YES ||
|}

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Skolnik, Michael}}
[[Category:1978 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American civil rights activists]]
[[Category:American Jews]]
[[Category:People from Mount Kisco, New York]]
[[Category:People from Katonah, New York]]