Worked with Mike when Mary Jane was Director at Sony IMAX Theater at Lincoln Square and later at MacGillivray Freeman Films Distribution Company

I have known Mike for over 25 years and he’s simply one of the best people that I have ever worked with.  I say that as a colleague and also someone who worked for Mike, while he was at MacGillivray Freeman.  He’s creative, a great strategic thinker, understands the big picture, and how to implement the details too.

If Mike Lutz is on your team, great things are going to happen.  He makes them happen.  I saw it first-hand working with him on so many projects.

He would have an idea and I would sit in awe, because I could see the brilliance in it and would simply say Count me in!  He can bring together people and organizations to achieve a goal that is good for everyone involved and at the same time move the needle forward for the whole industry.  Not many people can do that.  But a leader can and Mike is a great leader for our industry.

Worked closely with Mike when Chris was President of Smithsonian Enterprises

Mike Lutz is a leader and catalyst for growth within the global education, media and AR/VR communities. His ability to see emerging trends and the possibilities from new technologies enhancing the way audiences and students learn and engage with immersive experiences is world-class.

His network of senior executives and relationships with the best museums and educational institutions is a hallmark to his abilities to convene, connect and compel decision makers to enable advances in immersive technologies for the betterment of learners everywhere.

I have known Mike Lutz for many years. Most of our dealings have involved interacting on behalf of third party clients, requiring coordinated efforts.

Mike is a pro. He is always fun to work with – and is able to navigate that most delicate balance between having fun and settling down to getting things done. When a project is enjoyable, that guarantees a better outcome for the client, as well as making the journey more worthwhile for everyone.

Mike is honourable, both in business and personal dealings. He keeps his word, and always follows through. I am impressed how he carefully balances his cherished family’s interests against business obligations. I have enormous respect for that.

I always look forward to working with Mike – or sometimes, just chatting over a meal. He is a good listener – one of the most valuable qualities of anyone proffering advice, corporate, technical or personal.

Mike and I started working together in 2008 when Mike was President of MacGillivray Freeman Films Distribution Company. Together, we started MFFDC giant screen distribution operations in China.  Establishing that business required hard and detailed coordination, ethics, strong communications and trust. He led me into the GSCA industry and taught me the business from the ground up.  I still enjoy and remain in that business today.

Mike is a loyal partner with one of the giant screen industry’s best reputations.  He is like a brother to me with his Top Class efficiency and effectiveness for every objective while striving to create win-win relationships for all parties.

Worked closely with Mike when Toby was VP, Business Partnerships, Theaters and 3rd Party Concessions at Smithsonian Enterprises

Mike Lutz is a key catalyst for the promotion and profitability of the entire museum industry. He is an absolute win-win partner for anyone associated with him on a business endeavor. Mike has the ability to see the long-term ramifications of any action or business deal and will always ensure that his partners success is a primary concern.

I worked with Mike long enough to know that I didn’t get to work with Mike for long enough. Mike is the rare professional that understands the importance of time. He knows there’s no shortcut to wisdom and experience. He knows that, in some industries, there’s no substitution for spending the time it takes to get a deal done, accomplish a goal, do things right.

During his years of experience, he’s gotten to know everyone in his industries and earned their respect. Mike’s relationships are based on a kind of mutuality and earned trust rarely seen. 

I have known Mike for several years through my involvement with the Giant Screen Cinema Association. Mike has demonstrated an encyclopedic knowledge of the industry, but more importantly, is a thoughtful, forward-thinking individual who is willing to take on challenges with great energy and a positive attitude.

 He has an engaging personality that is welcoming to all who work with him. It has been my pleasure to work with Mike. I know that anyone who works with Mike will find him to be a supportive colleague.

Worked closely with Mike during Alan’s GSCA Board Chair term

I have worked with Mike in many different capacities and have a deep respect for his work ethic, insight, knowledge, and collaborative skills. Mike managed the theatre upgrade and installation of our IMAX xenon (and then GT laser) projection system back in 2013, accomplished on time and on budget.

Mike was an amazing partner on initiatives for the Giant Screen Cinema Association (GSCA), serving on the Board of Directors and leading our CEO initiative to more deeply engage museum leadership in GSCA business. Mike is reliable, easy to work with, and brings energy and enthusiasm to whatever task he takes on.

As CEO of Evans & Sutherland, I had the pleasure of hiring and working with Mike. His unique ability to network among many different and related industries makes him a very strategic resource in the entertainment and education space. He is adept at grasping customer concepts, needs and vision to develop a strategic solution.

In addition, his passion for the importance of relationships based on trust and his ability to manage them better than anyone I have worked with cannot be overstated.

Worked closely with Mike when JT was Sales Director at Spitz

Mike is a long-time professional in the dome entertainment field and has guided museum programs and marketing. He’s worked for years around premium, cutting-edge immersive systems, screens, and large-format storytelling products, as well as with advertising and PR.

His broad range of skills equip him well to guide the planning of new venues or immersive, compelling programming which will hit the target and be successful. Mike instinctively thinks outside a box and shares fresh perspectives which are, at the same time, grounded by experience.

Mike Lutz is the real deal. In addition to serving as a business partner, he has also been a mentor for me. His knowledge is vast, his opinions sound, and his personality disarming. His focus on partnerships with the theaters has been a key factor to the success of many films. Anyone afforded the opportunity to work with him will definitely find it a positive experience.