Profile and Experience
Michael Lienau - Founder / Producer / Director / DP
When Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980, 20-year old Michael Lienau was one of the first cinematographers to photograph the devastation around the mountain from the ground. Caught in the second largest eruption, the camera crew barely escaped with their lives. Michael’s dramatic footage was seen worldwide, and his unforgettable experience on the mountain fueled a life-long desire to communicate his story and those of other eyewitnesses in a dramatic television special titled, “THE FIRE BELOW US: Remembering Mount St. Helens” -Seven-time award winner featured on National Geographic Television, Discovery and PBS.
Due to his experience and knowledge with this subject, Michael has become an invaluable resource on Mount St. Helens and other volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, as well as disaster preparedness training, contributing to segments on FOX News, CNN, NBC and many other major and regional television networks.
Other award winning productions include “Healing America’s Wounds” highlighting racial strife and the power of forgiveness with John Dawson; “Return of the Raven,” (PBS) profiling a Native American’s stand against the US Government and win; “Native Apology Resolution” - Congressional briefing video distributed to all members of Congress; ”Run to High Ground” - American Indian story about earthquakes/tsunamis produced for WA State Military; “Tell the World about Us,” -untold story of the families and fate of US MIA-POWS in Vietnam; licensed by Sylvester Stallone to support “RAMBO First Blood II”, “Mexico City:The Alarming Giant,” - documentary report on the unique challenges this mega city faces; “Transformations” -
With a degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Washington, Shari has been a writer, producer, director and owner of Global Network Productions for over 25 years. Currently a mother of nine children between 11 and 20 years, Shari’s current vocation is “intentional parenting”- and spends time managing family, home, schooling, while supporting her husband and family in media adventures. Michael, his wife Shari and their nine children live on Camano Island, Washington.
| FILMS: Worldwide Pictures ~ “Eye of the Storm” Downes Entertainment – “Like Dandelion Dust“ Multimedia Motion Pictures ~ “CBS Movie of the Week”TELEVISION: The Supernatural Adventures of Joshua Clay (In Production Now!) National Geographic Television Graham Kerr (former Galloping Gourmet) Discovery Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous – CBS Thats Incredible – ABC Inside Edition Dateline NBC NBC Nightly News Evening Magazine Good Morning Show Entertainment Tonight CNN PBS NHK EOTV BBCCORPORATE & GOVERNMENT: FEMA USGS EarthScope,/NSF American Diabetes Association American Dietetic Association National Cancer Institute Weyerhaueser Chevron Conoco Phillips Progressive International ScanPan International Thermos Company OneComm Nextel Ariel Vineyards Creda Inc. Tosco Advanced Escrow National Dental Health Washington State Military Emergency Management King County Emergency Management Redmond City Emergency Management |
NON-PROFIT: CREW – Cascadia Region Earthquake Workgroup BGEA CBN 700 Club Sunshine Acres Children’s Home Thomas Nelson Publishers International Bible Society Mercy Corps International Childcare Worldwide Reasons To Believe Sentinel Group YWAM Mission Builders Lifeline ExpeditionsMUSIC VIDEO: John Michael Talbot Jeff Johnson Island Breeze VolcanoscapesSHORTS: Volition Shuffle GNP DOCUMENTARIES: |
Kudos:
“Thanks a million for all your help at Mount St. Helens… your images made our program!”
- Linda Ellman, Producer, NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw
“We were impressed with both the concept and the treatment of The Fire Below Us Remembering Mount St. Helens.”
- Michele Kaplan, Discovery
“They (Global Net) possess a truly startling combination of energy, integrity, and creativity. Their work reflects their commitment in that their high quality finished products really connect with the viewer. I am pleased to recommend them to you…”
-Graham Kerr, Former Galloping Gourmet
“Thank you so much for all your valuable help. You 
(Global Net) went beyond the call of duty to help me in every way.
- Judy Hallet, Producer, National Geographic Television
“RIVETING… COMPELLING… your feature story “Arsonist” played to rave reviews and Dateline won its slot… we couldn’t have done it without your ”
- Jon Scott, Producer/correspondent, Dateline NBC
“I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to met and work with you… Its not often that we find such professionals…”
- A Larry Ross, Dir of Media/Public Relations, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
“Portrait of a Serial Arsonist is an intriguing, at times moving report.”
- John Engstrom, Television Critic, Seattle PI
“The Cascadia and Personal Preparedness DVDs are the most important offers we have made in 31 years that I have been at KCTS TV!”
- George Ray, Broadcaster, KCTS PBS affiliate
“The Cascadia program was wonderful. You are right up to date, I for one plan to use it in a Web course I am writing; It was beautifully done.”
- Bob Yeats, PhD., Professor Emeritus, OSU; Author
“Your attention detail embodies the devotion to content and people that runs through the entire program. I liked it all very much.”
- Brian F. Atwater, PhD., USGS
