Testimonials
Some sweet words from past colleagues and clients
"I worked with Michael on one production where he was the Assistant Director. The cast and director were well prepared and worked really well together, and Mick only made it better. I also worked with Michael (again he was assistant director) on a production where the director had no experience, the main performer was seven years old, had no experience and had a strong dislike toward the actor that played her father. The Director of Photography was also very temperamental.
I believe strongly in keeping work professional and keeping feelings to one's self, unless acting of course, but even I got frustrated with this production. If the shots aren't slated correctly, editing becomes particularly difficult. Mick sat down with the director and had him create a proper shot list (the director was used to working in a two dimensional, animated format while live action requires sound and three dimensional spatial design), he gently calmed the upset seven year old down and had her thoroughly prepared and excited for her performance. He expertly managed an irritated Director of Photography (who also worked in the camera department on Spiderman 2), he dealt exceptionally well with myself, the Script Supervisor when I was ready to explode, and also with the stressed producer, all while essentially training the new director. I've worked with good A.D.'s before, but this was uncanny. - With all that - everyone liked Mick. One crew member described him as preternaturally patient.
There are many films that Mick could well make exist that wouldn't without his presence and work on set."
Kimberly Laux,
Script Supervisor, Los Angeles, Freelance
"I worked for Michael on his feature film “How To Be Happy”. A director starts and ends his day answering questions. It is relentless, and requires a certain type of person to pull it off. When a director is insecure or incompetent, the top down effect of this is catastrophic and can ruin the entire enterprise.
In my dealings with Michael on set, there was not an iota of panic or ego which I have come across too often. More importantly, the outcome of all this was an excellent movie. Michael’s work is incredibly well crafted. The magic formula for a director is a mix of competence and consideration. Michael has these in spades and has an extremely bright future ahead of him."
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Brian Gleeson, Irish Actor
"Michael created two promo videos for my anti-bullying campaign called Hero Starts With Her. He was so generous with his time and went above and beyond the call of duty. Michael is by far one of the most professional and talented filmmakers I have ever come across. He is full of great ideas while still being so open to new ideas. He adapts to any kind of condition or environment without compromising on the production quality of the film and is not satisfied until everyone else is. He has a fantastic ability to direct actors and to make them feel comfortable on screen.
His passion for filmmaking extends beyond the visual aspect as he is committed to helping foundations and charities, like myself to reach their full potential by offering his incredible talent to help a worthy a cause. I was blown away by the finished product and would highly recommend Michael as a filmmaker. He is great to work with and has such a positive, helpful attitude. I really can’t sing his praises enough. I found it so easy to talk to Michael about any aspect of the project and he always had a fantastic solution to any issues that arose. Michael is well able to think on his feet, he captures the most important moments and edits them so perfectly together to create a seamless yet beautiful visual – which really brought my campaign to the next level. Michael is a true talent with a heart of gold."
Angelina Ryle,
Founder of 'Hero Starts With Her', Ireland
"Working with Michael has been an incredibly positive experience- we’re a young festival representing young aspiring filmmakers and we depend a lot on the support of the professionals to make it happen! This year Michael very generously offered to make a short promo for us. He not only delivered on what he said he would do on time but also went above and beyond what we had hoped for. On set we could see his competence and his wonderful calm, good humoured way of communicating with everyone.
He has consistently taken the time to take my calls, provide me with information and meet all deadlines. His energy and positive attitude was so supportive to this not-for-profit organisation and so professional at all times! The result was inspiring, we appreciate everything Michael has done for this festival, he has been and continues to be an amazing resource, the kind of support that we need to make it happen for the aspiring young filmmakers that we support."
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Mary Mc Grath,
Coordinator of First Cut! Youth Film Festival, Cork, Ireland
"Had an absolutely fantastic experience working on Sharon Shannon music video with Mick Costine. I remember laughing constantly on set. He created a fun, easy-going atmosphere, which is a relief as an actor, because all too often Directors can show their stress, and there is nothing worse than a tense set! The crew he assembled were all brilliant, talented people and the whole group got on really well. He really knows how to talk to actors, we had a rapport immediately. I found him to be personable, and clear in his vision of what he wanted. I always knew what was required of me, and he communicated this with clarity and humour. Had such fun working on this project, and would work with Mick again in a heartbeat."
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Jack Hickey,
Irish Actor: Penny Dreadful, Game of Thrones, Vikings
"Mickey was our Art Director on the feature film VINYL; he was, without question, the life raft that kept us afloat on a tight budget and schedule. He is an incredibly creative, out of the box thinker, and no job is ever too big or too small. We often had to ask the impossible, and he delivers every time. I can't wait to work with Mickey again. He's a real pro, and a great guy to boot."
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Steven Berger
US Producer
"Without hesitation, I would recommend Michael to join any team, particularly in the area of film production. Michael is smart, driven and enthusiastic. I have always found him to be reliable and effective as a leader on a film set. I would have no doubt that Michael would quickly become an indispensable asset to any project that he is involved in."
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Viko Nicki
Irish Producer
"I recently hired Michael Rob Costine to do all the graphics, titles and credits for my feature length documentary "When The Bough Breaks". Michael was a pleasure to work with, so professional, delivered before all deadlines and worked around the clock to create some of the most beautiful graphic sequences in the film. He has such a passion for film and its shows through his work. I would highly recommend hiring Michael and will absolutely work with him again."
Jamielynn Lippman
Director: When The Bough Breaks Documentary, Los Angeles
"Michael was one of the first directors I worked with in my career in 'How to be Happy' in 2013. It was my first lead role in a film. From the bottom of my heart, I mean when I say that I loved working with him. Michael is a kind, firm and encouraging director who really saw the talent I had to bring to the work and helped me grow in the role I played. His positivity on set is priceless when working on a low budget, fast moving project, always finding the good and striving to find a way to work things out, no matter what the obstacle.
He is a real filmmaker and I found he was always looking to get the best out of everyone in the crew, while always being creative in trying to find a new way to tell the narrative, especially through his choice of shots. I know Michael will be a positive presence wherever he works."
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Stephen Mullan
Irish Actor: How To Be Happy