ABOUT
We're Mike & Mike
BEHIND THE MIKES
The co-founders of Focus Forward Media. We’re friends first, creatives at heart and always bouncing new ideas off of each other. We know so much of our success comes from collaboration - not only with each other - but with our clients as well!
Our Story
THE ORIGIN STORY
HAPPY ACCIDENTS
After Mike recovered, he returned to the skate park – not with his board this time, but with a camera. As he began to film his friends, Mike realized he had found his new passion. He started college on the right foot having landed an internship with a prominent production company his freshman year. As time moved on at Framingham State University, Mike N. started taking on freelance video projects; shooting weddings, corporate events, and marketing videos for small businesses.
Mike N.
Mike Neilan first picked up a camera in 2009 when a skateboarding injury sidelined him until further notice.
Mike M.
CHARTING THE COURSE
It was in the classroom, learning hands-on and in the field that Mike M. learned how to create, market, and monetize this expressive form of art. He soon fell in love with filmmaking and went on to obtain his degree in Digital Filmmaking from Champlain College. After college, Mike packed up and moved out of Little Rhody. Earning field experience in the two biggest markets possible, Mike took on jobs with media companies in both LA and NYC.
A freshman at Exeter-West Greenwich High School, Mike McDonough took his first steps into Mr. Rounds’ film class completely unaware that this single course was about to shape the rest of his life.
One day in 2017, after moving back to his home state of Rhode Island, Mike McDonough accepted a job at a marketing agency in Massachusetts…. the same marketing agency where Mike Neilan had been working. There, the two Mikes met and instantly hit it off. The Mikes worked great together; complementing each other’s weaknesses with their respective strengths.
MOVING (FOCUS) FORWARD
In January of 2018 dreams became a reality when Focus Forward Media was born. Now, after working with over 50 clients, getting an office space, and doubling their staff -Focus Forward Media is ready for any new challenges ahead.
It didn’t take long before Mike & Mike had aspirations of starting a company of their own.
OUR TEAM
Driven | Focused | Highly Caffeinated.
With strengths in a variety of different areas, our teamwork truly sets us apart.
Mike Neilan
Co-Founder | Director, Marketing & Operations
Over the past couple years, I have become captivated by sneakers and upping my shoe game.
FACT MOST PEOPLE
DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU:
What's the greatest piece of advice you've ever been given?
"Work hard for what you want in life; nothing will be given to you. "
Mike McDonough
Co-Founder | Creative Director
I didn't have my first strawberry until 2016.
FACT MOST PEOPLE
DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU:
What's the greatest piece of advice you've ever been given?
"Don’t waste your time worrying about things you can’t control. "
Trenton Saleeba
STUDIO MANAGER
I fell in a fountain
at a wedding.
(and still got the shot)
FACT MOST PEOPLE
DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU:
What's the greatest piece of advice you've ever been given?
"In order to get to where you want to be, you need to wake up every morning and work for it. "
Alexis Emond
Post Production Manager
FACT MOST PEOPLE
DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU:
“I was almost named Michaela after my parents: Michael and Michelle!”
What's the greatest piece of advice you've ever been given?
"The stumbles are the stories. "
Siobhan Senier
Art Director, Digital + Social
FACT MOST PEOPLE
DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU:
I rotate the glasses in my kitchen cabinets because I want them all to have a turn.
What's the greatest piece of advice you've ever been given?
“Time you enjoyed wasting
is not time wasted”
READ BIO
READ BIO
READ BIO
READ BIO
READ BIO
Noah Fischer
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY, video editor
I play 6 instruments!
What's the greatest piece of advice you've ever been given?
"Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present. "
READ BIO
FACT MOST PEOPLE
DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU:
READ BIO
Dylan Mello
VIDEO EDITOR
FACT MOST PEOPLE
DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU:
I need to keep my car stereo volume on even numbers only.
What's the greatest piece of advice you've ever been given?
“Play the cards that
you're given.”
READ BIO
" prepping for a few shoots next week - finishing the week strong"
" prepping for a few shoots next week - finishing the week strong"
Not just a regular Friday - Its a Focus Forward Friday.
Our weekly video series showcases some behind the scenes clips from our office - we share recent projects, team updates and more of our company culture.
VIeW THE PLAYLIST
NEW PODCAST EP.
TGIF
FRIDAYS AT FOCUS FORWARD MEDIA
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Fueled by coffee and the opportunity to meet new people, Mike readily handles the majority of communication here at Focus Forward. As co-founder and resident coffee connoisseur, he’s the driving force behind our brand identity and marketing including maintaining our presence on social media and creatively presenting our Focus Forward Media brand.
A Providence resident, Mike enjoys the diversity the city provides. “No matter where you go, you can experience a variety of cultures, food, and entertainment all in this great city.”
Mike Neilan
Co-Founder | Director, Marketing & Operations
As our Creative Director, Mike’s meticulous eyes look over each project before leaving our building. His primary focus is pre-production and having every project detail planned out. It’s his continuous attention to detail that keeps the team performing at our best!
Moving to LA right after graduating film school, Mike instantly immersed himself in the world’s largest creative market. After working on a series of documentaries, Mike decided to bring his talents back to the Ocean State where he met Mike N. and started Focus Forward Media. What continues to drive Mike each day is seeing peoples’ reactions to our Focus Forward Media productions.
Mike McDonough
Co-Founder | CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Trenton is a driven individual who brings creativity, spice, and lots of laughs to Focus Forward.
He is a videographer and editor being trusted as the Studio Manager. He knows with great power comes great responsibility. Trenton handles, maintains, and prepares the tremendous amounts of tech so we can continue to provide the best possible content. His exemplary communication and scheduling skills will enable our company to provide white-glove service to our amazing clients and ensure our team stays on task.
Trenton Saleeba
STUDIO MANAGER
Being an avid podcast listener, Alexis has found her niche as a Podcast Producer and Editor here at Focus Forward Media. With a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Southern New Hampshire University, she communicates and works efficiently with our clients to create smooth playing, high quality podcasts to be aired weekly. Aside from podcasts, she is a huge helping hand on productions and editing a variety of projects.
Alexis Emond
POST PRODUCTION MANAGER
Siobhan loves to concept, design, learn, and write- she can never get enough inspiration! With a Bachelor's Degree in Communications + Art, she has an eye for all things trending in the digital and social world.
She pays close attention to detail and knows how to help companies see their vision come to life from a visual standpoint in order to increase business. Siobhan has a Hatch Award and was a shorty nominee for design & remote production.
Siobhan Senier
art director, digital + social
Noah is a New England newbie. He loves meeting interesting people with even more interesting stories to tell.
From pre-production to post-production, Noah is involved with every step of the visual storytelling process. He is constantly seeking out ways to improve his craft.
Noah Fischer
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Dylan got into video editing after deciding to try out something new- and realized that he thoroughly enjoyed it. He started out making videos for his friends, then quickly realized he wanted to make it his career.
When he is not in the studio, Dylan also enjoys skateboarding!