Hawaii State Senators today honored the national-recognized work and an outstanding graduate of an innovative program that brings together industry leaders in media, music and design, and partners them with creative entrepreneurs.
Creative Lab Hawai‘i is a branch of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. More than 1,500 participants participated in the immersive programs and workshops from 2013-2017. These collaborative efforts resulted in a number of creative ventures, including three motion pictures, six options, five web-series, one app, and six licensed songs. Through their work, Creative Lab Hawai‘i is a major contributor to the $3.6 billion creative sector industry in the State of Hawai‘i. The program has become so successful, it has expanded to the neighbor islands.
Recognized on the Senate floor was Creative Lab Hawai‘I Executive Director, Michael Andres Palmieri, and screenwriter and producer Amy Alohilani Bircher.
Michael Andres Palmieri is a veteran writer and producer, having worked with production companies including Walt Disney, Warner Brothers, and Twentieth Century Fox. For the past 20 years, he has also been designing, facilitating, and producing training and development programs for media entrepreneurs and has been fundamental in bringing together local creative talent with Hollywood media sources. Mr. Palmieri was recognized for championing the arts and supporting Hawai‘i creatives.
Amy Alohilani Bircher is Hawai‘i born and raised and found a love for writing early. She was among seven applicants selected to participate in the Creative Labs Hawai‘i Writers Immersive program last year. Through the program, she was hired to help write several screenplays. She also recently wrote a Lifetime mini-movie that aired on December 3, 2017 titled “Delivering Christmas.” The Senate applauds entrepreneurial leadership and recognizes both Mr. Palmieri and Mrs. Bircher for their work in the creative industry.