Meet Michael Antonio Keane

We were lucky to catch up with Michael Antonio Keane recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael Antonio , appreciate you sitting with us today. Maybe we can start with a topic that we care deeply about because it’s something we’ve found really sets folks apart and can make all the difference in whether someone reaches their goals. Self discipline seems to have an outsized impact on how someone’s life plays out and so we’d love to hear about how you developed yours?
The key with self-discipline is, respecting yourself followed by the work you produce. You need to set the standard as high as you can, it just simply isn’t good enough to half attempt any body of work so I consistently ensure to produce the best that I can with what ever it is I’m given. Acknowledging that it’s not always going to be shining lights and that not everyone will like your art but finding that mid point of doing it for yourself and the audience not it’s potential outcome, the sooner you realize the prouder you become of your work.

Another act of discipline I follow when it comes to my career is valuing and limiting what it is that I share to the world whether it’s via Instagram or general social updates. I am a very private person, those who know me personally know I’m quiet, and even reserved at times but very humble. I am not one to bring up my work or accolades unless someone specifically asks or is interested, I love hearing what other people are up to and I find it very self indulgent to over share your career achievements within your personal life, those who know me know what I do, so it’s very important to be aware of that and stay true to yourself.

One of the most challenging things in such a fast paced ever changing industry is the ability to keep on top of new material, consistently coming up with a new script, pilot, or even shorts. You cannot rest on your laurels and one rule I follow is that once I’m on tour or within a festival round for a film, I am already working on the next script for a short if it hasn’t even been made yet because as of now, I have always ensured to have new material prepared whilst representing a previous film, and it’s something I’m very proud of!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
And now for some film related talk, ha ha! I recently concluded the festival round for my short film “Like A Bolt From The Blue” (2022) A teen drama centered on the complexities of a relationship followed with an unplanned pregnancy. There came a point where I had to write something I had not written before and which, you know my own interest in a particular subject such as relationships within my life inspired me and that’s why I suppose eventually most filmmakers approach wider topics of all kinds” he encourages as many people as possible to take the time to watch and value the film, to maybe learn something from it, written comments of feedback are warmly appreciated and always welcome.

Receiving a nomination back in March, for best director at the RTÉ Ireland’s Young Filmmaker Of The Year Awards, “LABFTB”won a jury award in June of 2023 for direction at the Student World Impact Film Festival (US) and since took to the skies, reaching audiences in New-York where it screened at the AMC Movie Theatre in Times Square New-York as part of the best drama selection, exclusively inviting myself, and, my fellow Irish filmmakers to attend the glamorous Teen Indie Awards at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn.

Coming up to Christmas I am so pleased to announce the premiere of my long anticipated film “Dolce Far Niente” (Sweet Doing Nothing) at the BAFTA & IFTA Qualifying IndieCork Film Festival this December. It tells the tale of a an Irish writer who after suffering heartache finds a new sense of peace living in Italy. Being a part of this festival has always meant so much to me, an overall wonderful array of Irish shorts and I am chuffed to brining my film to the finalist program.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Individuality. Not being afraid of the unknown & the love of a challenge!

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Finding individuality in my storytelling, direction but ultimately my films, I feel I have at long last found somewhat of a style I would like to continue pursuing and keeping elements of within my work, a style of storytelling only I myself and create and express to the world!

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Empathy Unlocked: Understanding how to Develop Emotional Intelligence

“Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It’s the impetus

Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Boosting Productivity Through Self-Care

When you have a never-ending to-do list it can feel irresponsible to engage in self-care,