Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Costa
Hi Mike, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Mike Costa was born and raised in Southeastern, Massachusetts. He attended the University of Nevada in Reno where he studied Broadcast Journalism and Television/Film Production and graduated with B.A. With the encouragement of his professors, Mike began to research different types of entertainment companies in search of an internship. As a result of his tenacity, he was recruited by KTVN-TV, the local CBS affiliate, where he performed the duties of assistant director and videotape operator.
After graduation, Mike took a big gamble and packed his bags for Hollywood. After successful stints with NBC in Research and ABC in Broadcast Operations and Engineering, Mike was accepted into the Guy Alexander Hanks/Marvin Miller Screenwriting Program sponsored by the USC School of Cinema-Television. The application process was highly selective. Subsequently, Mike was hired as a staff writer and story editor for the hit television show “Roseanne.” He went on to write for Warner Brother’s television on several projects which included the first season of the hit series, “The Steve Harvey Show.” He also was writer on “The Gregory Hines Show.” (Pilot) for Sony Television.
In 1998 Mike accepted an offer the work for NBC’s “In The House” starring LL Cool J, where his responsibilities as a writer grew to that of a producer. Along with his duties as scribe Mike was involved with editing, casting and production design. In 1999 Mike joined the staff of the syndicated television variety series, “The Roseanne Show,” as a writer/producer. He wrote monologues, sketches, promos and produced segments for the comedienne.
Mike stays busy developing and writing projects for various producers. He freelances as a writer/producer for Isis Films, a production team in Marina Del Rey that produces music videos and commercials for some of the industry’s biggest names: Time-Warner Corporation, Miller Brewing Company, Motown, Warner Brothers and General Motors. He was also the “Voice of the Tigers” for the Westridge School for girls Varsity basketball team in Pasadena, CA. He also helped start a non-profit 501(c)(3): Cape Verdeans of Southern California and has held various board positions over the years.
Mike co-produced a television pilot, “Woman on Top,” with John Aguirre, Alan Shafer and Eugene Lebowitz. He wrote, directed and produced an original short film, “Hot Date.” Some of his screenplays are; “Spy Du Jour,” an action comedy, an offbeat comedy titled “Fuzz. Mike’s has completed his first fiction novel. It has strong Cape Verdean themes and he hopes to have it published in 2025. He wrote, produced and directed a documentary film – “Proud to be Cape Verdean – A Look at Cape Verdeans in the Golden State,” through his production company Side Door Entertainment, which has been seen around the globe. His latest endeavors include directing the short film, “Isolate” written by Bari Willerford and starring Agnete Strand as well as developing more projects with this team.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Hollywood politics are a vicious reality of the business. I’ve had ups and downs, mostly ups. I wasn’t afraid to get my hands dirty. My first real job in the business was below-the-line. I come from a blue-collar family so that kind of makes sense. Hollywood is like the “Island of Misfit Toys.” Everybody is waiting to get picked up, get a job. There’s no playbook on how to score in Hollywood. People need to bring whatever skills they have to the table and apply them in real time. We all come from someplace else, looking for a break. The gatekeeper sitting across the table from you, deciding whether to let you in or not, was once the other guy looking for a shot. They got in and so can you.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My shingle is. Side Door Entertainment. We produce and direct films, documentaries, and music videos. We also write screenplays for features and short films. We’re constantly on the lookout for new material and collaborators. Side Door Entertainment is for the guy who can’t get in the front door.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I was lucky and was able to work from home. Stay healthy and don’t take anything for granted. Everything means something.
