Mike Cheslik
Mike Cheslik is an American filmmaker, editor and visual effects artist, best known for the independent features Lake Michigan Monster (2018) and Hundreds of Beavers (2022).[1]
Early life
Cheslik grew up in Wisconsin.[2]
Career
He has worked professionally as an animator, editor and visual effects artist.[3]
Lake Michigan Monster
Cheslik first collaborated with Ryland Brickson Cole Tews on the microbudget black-and-white film Lake Michigan Monster (2018), serving as editor and visual-effects artist (among other roles).[4]
The film's visual effects were intensive: according to Tews, "Mike … did over 300 effects shots on the movie".[4]
Hundreds of Beavers (2022)
In Hundreds of Beavers, Cheslik made his feature directorial debut in a largely dialogue-free slapstick comedy co-written with Tews.[1]
The film was produced for approximately US$150,000 and shot over two Wisconsin winters.[5]
Following its festival run, Cheslik and his team self-distributed the film, selling theatrical, Blu-ray and VOD rights independently.[6] According to Filmmaker Magazine, the film ultimately earned more than double its production budget through this release model.[6]
Style and themes
Critics and interviewers have described Cheslik's style as a hybrid of silent-era slapstick and physical comedy with a strong visual effects component.[1]
In an interview, Cheslik said their filmmaking process involves drawing gags on notecards and building the film around these visual ideas rather than traditional scripts.[2]
Selected filmography
| Year | Title | Role(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Lake Michigan Monster | Editor; Visual Effects[4] |
| 2023 | Hundreds of Beavers | Director; Co-writer; Editor; VFX[1] |
Reception
- Hundreds of Beavers has been widely praised in the indie film press, particularly for its inventive, low-budget slapstick and visual originality.[6]
- Cheslik's VFX work on Lake Michigan Monster has been highlighted in interviews for its creativity and volume.[4]
References
- ^ a b c d "Of Mascots and Men: Mike Cheslik and Ryland Brickston Cole Tews on Hundreds of Beavers". Filmmaker Magazine. Retrieved 2025-11-24.
- ^ a b "Hundreds Of Beavers director Mike Cheslik on reviving the slapstick genre in the frozen Midwestern wilderness". AV Club. Retrieved 2025-11-24.
- ^ "Guest Filmmakers 2023 – Mike Cheslik". Midwest WeirdFest. Retrieved 2025-11-24.
- ^ a b c d "Lake Michigan Monster's Ryland Tews On His Trippy Indie (+ An Exclusive Clip)". CBR. Retrieved 2025-11-24.
- ^ "'Hundreds Of Beavers': From microbudget comedy to cult phenomenon". SBS. Retrieved 2025-11-24.
- ^ a b c "Ten Takeaways from Hundreds of Beavers' Success". Filmmaker Magazine. 2024-07-23. Retrieved 2025-11-24.