800 Words

Michael has directed ten episodes of 800 Words, six in season 2
(which aired in 2016 and 2017), and four in season 3 (which aired in 2017 and 2018).

800 Words was created by James Griffin and Maxine Fleming, produced
by South Pacific Pictures (New Zealand) and Seven Productions (Australia).
It aired in Australia on Seven Network and in New Zealand on TVOne.
It is also available in the USA and Canada via streaming service Acorn TV.
It is filmed in New Zealand

800 Words premiered in Australia on 15 September 2015, and in New Zealand on 5 November 2015.
It stars Erik Thomson as George Turner, with Melina Vidler and Benson Jack Anthony as his teenage children Shay and Arlo.

The 8-episode first season showed George moving his family from Australia back to Weld, New Zealand
following the death of his wife.  Not much goes to plan, the adjustments are big, and the kids aren't happy.

SEASON 2

Behind-the-scenes:  Directing episode 2.14

2.03, written by Maxine Fleming; premiered in Australia on 6 September 2016
George lands a scoop on the first day of his new job at the newspaper, but why is
he under orders not to write about an eight year old mystery that's gripping Weld?

2.04, written by Kate McDermott; premiered in Australia on 13 September 2016
George's house is bursting with teenagers and he gets another chance to
buy his dream house in Weld after all. But is it serendipity or just a bad idea?

2.09, written by Kate McDermott; premiered in Australia on 31 January 2017
George and Fiona's dalliance is headline news in Weld, while Robbie goes
on the offensive to save Fiona, all culminating with a rumble in the main street.

2.10, written by Michael Beran and James Griffin; premiered in Australia on 7 February 2017
George and Fiona put the heat on their new relationship with a dinner party.  However, if
they're to survive as a couple, there are many dramas to overcome both in and out of the kitchen.

2.13, written by James Griffin; premiered in Australia on 28 February 2017
Jan's pregnancy sparks a crisis between George and Fiona. Katie unwillingly
gets Shay involved in an art scam. Arlo struggles with a long distance relationship.

2.14, written by Sarah-Kate Lynch; premiered in Australia on 7 March 2017
George struggles against the Terry-mania sweeping Weld.  The town prepares to open its first
fine dining restaurant, but not everyone's invited. Shay's art adventure has a public hanging.

SEASON 3

3.3, written by James Griffin; premiered in Australia on 26 September 2017
Shay goes to the dark side after suffering from a broken heart, and Katie resurrects a teaching career.

3.4, written by Sarah-Kate Lynch, James Griffin; premiered in Australia on 3 October 2017
George gets an unlikely message from beyond the grave.  Hannah tries to convince Tom she'd be a top cop.

3.11, written by Kate McDermott; premiered in Australia on 28 August 2018
George and Katie test their new relationship with a winter camp.  Arlo and Poppy grow closer
while Shay struggles with Ike moving on and Big Mac has a grand tourist plan for Weld.

3.12, written by James Griffin; premiered in Australia on 28 August 2018
Arlo two-times Lindsay and Poppy and suffers the fallout.  George struggles in the
parenting department and worries he's causing Billy's stress problem.  Shay gets an unlikely visitor.