Sanssouci Films is a creative shop for film & digital media with seasoned chops in original storytelling — fiction, real life, and projects in between.
We create distinct work with one-of-a-kind vision, imagination, and the latest techniques.
Reels
Director David Pierre, cinematographer Michael Winters & AD Rell Reynolds on the set of The Flower Vase. (L-R) | 📸 Yash Thakkar
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a self-taught writer/director, photographer, and journalist — narrative & commercial filmmaking, documentaries, and music videos are sweet spots for collaboration, and where we'd certainly thrive together! My photo and journalism output can be found with bylines in major publications including Vice, Curbed, The New York Times, and SFGate.
I'm a seasoned storyteller, having a mastery of atmosphere, juxtaposition, and serious visuals. On-point curation and a love of logistics come from my evolving understanding of film and media working on countless sets, independent projects, and research guided by a wide curiosity. I've also lent my producing expertise to Art.com and VSC, an SF-based PR firm for startups. I co-founded each's Studio arm and led the companies' directionless video strategies to first-time success.
In 2022, I created the multimedia project Oddity_2K, which explores cinema, ephemera, and history considered "stranger than fiction." My original comedy pilot Local Moguls was honored to make the Quarterfinals of the 2023 ScreenCraft Comedy Competition. A short screenplay We Probably Have Not Met recently placed in the 2023 Vail Film Festival Quarterfinals, with additional accolades. I'm also currently writing two features and have supported various funds & projects throughout the entertainment strikes ✊.
I enjoy cooking, live music, getting about on my Chevrolegs, simply existing in nature, and teaching myself 3D from scratch. Previously based in New Orleans & Mississippi, I regularly visit and work from the Gulf Coast.
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Michael has what every director wants: a keen eye, a listening ear, and a vivid and flexible imagination. He cares about accuracy, pursues tasks with joy, and is driven by the passion of a true craftsman. He will make your project better.
— Duncan Pace, actor/comedian, New Orleans
Paired with a writer to work on a piece about the legacy of FEMA X markings on homes in New Orleans, Michael took the assignment and ran with it. He was able to capture exactly the tone and scope we were looking for in the piece.
— Sara Polsky, Curbed senior features editor
He’s not only a creative hard worker but also humble. On one occasion he was editing our film but decided to come early to help where needed. He took it upon himself to keep the coffee pot full (the best person on set in my opinion) and also slammed out a banging edit which I believe got him nominated for an award. Having Winters on set is a pleasure each and every time.
— Kyle Wigginton, actor/filmmaker, New Orleans
I’ve worked with Winters on several different occasions. He naturally has an eye for a creative shot. Watch the opening shot of our short, “Beg”, and see what I’m talking about. He continues to grow on every film we work on. The dude can hold a conversation too. Excited to work with him again in the future.
— Adam Henslee, actor/filmmaker, New York City
I've worked with Michael on a number of film projects, and he always brings his A-game. His passion for quality is inspiring. I'm always looking forward to the next project we can team up on.
— Ben Samuels, filmmaker/artist, Hamburg
"Cinema is a matter of what's in the frame and what's out."
—Martin Scorsese
