Michael Ballin

Michael Ballin, Writer, Producer, Director and four time Emmy-winning Production Sound Designer was born and raised in Washington, D.C. and Palm Beach Florida. Along with an attentive education and following a stint in the Marine Corps, he began his career in television at WPTV in Palm Beach. With a move south to continue his education, Ballin studied Radio, Television and Film at Lindsey-Hopkins College and the University if Miami. He accepted a position at Miami's NBC affiliate, climbed the ladder from cameraman to studio supervisor all the while, writing commercials for local businesses and advertising agencies. At that point, he set his sights higher and headed for Hollywood. Ballin went on to hone his various skills at several Los Angeles' television production houses while continuing his freelance writing interests.

Taking an opportunity to shift course and follow his musical passion, Ballin took a six year detour from his television career to accept an opportunity as a promoter with a rock and roll concert company. The experience enhanced his management and people skills and his knowledge of live production problem solving. He came back to television on meeting fellow Floridian, Hugh Wilson, the creator of WKRP in Cincinnati, who hired him as a music and sound consultant for the series.

When WKRP left he air in 1984, Ballin launched a production sound career, taking his talent to CHEERS for three years and winning consecutive Emmys (1985-1987). On segueing over to friend Hugh Wilson's new critically acclaimed series, Franks Place, He not only picked up another Emmy (1988) but also enhanced his burgeoning writing career, when Wilson purchased a Frank's Place script Ballin had written.

Ballin went on to write for TV series, such as Who's the Boss, Simon and Simon, Bob Newhart, Cheers and others. He created and has written, produced and directed the Hollywood Independent Producers Association, Telly Award winning series, Rolling Art Television, which is syndicated worldwide. Although retired, Ballin continues to involve himself in creative endeavors he enjoys and has several television and feature film projects in development.

Living among the Red-Rocks of Sedona, Arizona, Michael is a life long practitioner of martial arts and embraces meditation daily.