Branded Content
Branded Content is a marketing strategy where brands fund or create entertaining, educational, or informative content to build brand affinity and awareness, rather than directly selling a product. It focuses on storytelling that aligns with brand values, often utilizing partnerships with influencers, creators, or publishers to foster authentic, long-term consumer engagement.
My short-form original branded content has garnered over 300 million views on social digital channels, and over twenty mentions on the YouTube Ads Leaderboard listing the "top ten ads that people choose to watch."
I have been recognized with several awards, most notably for "Dear Kitten" as the #1 top ad by a YouTube content creator in 2014, winner of the Digiday Best Creative Award in 2014, a 2015 Webby for Best Branded Content, and a nomination for "favorite YouTube ad of the past decade" from Google's YouTube. Dear Kitten went on to become a regional Super Bowl Commercial, and franchise universe with mutliple installments and spin-off episodes.
DEAR KITTEN
A Lifetime Channel broadcast premiere in July of 2025, this title is currently available for rental and purchase on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube.
Plot: On a road trip to drop her daughter Ruby off at college, Sarah's car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. A passing driver, Allie, offers a ride into town for help, and though hesitant, Sarah lets Ruby go while she waits for a tow truck.
This movie was filmed in Kentucky, produced by Richard Switzer's Maverick Films in association with MarVista Entertainment.
Michael is also featured in the podcast "Horror Pop After Midnight" along with actor Holly Asnpaugh as they discuss their experiences making the movie together. Star actress Alicia Blasingame was also invited on the podcast as well. Click below to listen.
Lars Eilers, 5 of 5 Stars
"This movie is a true work of art. As many know, this is a Lifetime movie BUT this is one of the most quality pieces of cinema Lifetime has ever had. They should be lucky to have had Joesy De Palo grace their presence. What happens in this movie? You'll figure it out... prolly pretty quickly. Love this movie, love the Director, Love JOESY DE PALO"
Aurora Scott, 4 of 5 Stars
"Small Town, Big Kidnapping Energy - Kidnapped in a Small Town is exactly what you expect—and that’s honestly the best part. One minute it’s cozy small-town vibes, the next minute you’re yelling “DO NOT GO IN THERE” at your TV.
The acting is solid, the suspense keeps moving, and it somehow makes a town with, like, three stoplights feel absolutely terrifying. Is it dramatic? Yes. Is it predictable at times? Also yes. Did I still watch the whole thing without touching my phone? Absolutely.
Perfect for a “just one more movie” night when you want suspense without committing to emotional damage. Would recommend—especially if you already side-eye small towns."
Angel, 5 of 5 Stars
"Very good movie was worth the dime. This movie reminded me of broke down with Kurt Russell."
SECRETS
EXPOSED
A Lifetime Movie Club premiere, this title is currently available for rental and purchase on Amazon Prime Video.
Plot: Single mom Joanna (Carrie Schroeder) is looking forward to surprising her daughter, Lizzie (Madison May Crawford), at college. But when she arrives, Joanna is shocked to learn Lizzie is missing.
This movie was filmed in Boston, MA and produced by Richard Switzer's Maverick Films in association with MarVista Entertainment.
MALICIOUS
MOTIVES
A Lifetime Movie Network broadcast premiere, this title is currently available for rental and purchase on Amazon Prime Video.
Plot: Ashley is a popular high school student in need of a liver transplant. Her social outcast classmate, Katie, is her only donor match but is unable to get her sister and legal guardian, Sasha's, permission for the surgery.
This movie was filmed in Oklahoma City, OK and produced by Richard Switzer's Maverick Films in association with MarVista Entertainment.
DEADLY DATING
GAME
A Lifetime Channel broadcast premiere, this title is currently available for rental and purchase on Amazon Prime Video.
Plot: A radio DJ begins questioning her ex’s intentions when he re-enters her life just as a stalker begins targeting her.
This movie was filmed in Oklahoma, OK and produced by Richard Switzer's Maverick Films in association with MarVista Entertainment.
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My branded content
