Michael Copner, a true film enthusiast, was born in 1954 in Seattle, Washington, a city that would play a significant role in shaping his future as a film aficionado. Growing up, he was heavily influenced by the works of Bela Lugosi and Forrest J. Ackerman's iconic "Famous Monsters of Filmland" magazine, a publication that would later become a staple of his professional life.
As a young adult, Michael secured a job as a film projectionist at the esteemed adult picture theater, The Green Parrot Theatre, in his hometown of Seattle. This marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career in the film industry, which would take him to various theaters and behind-the-scenes roles.
Before his move to Los Angeles, California, Michael gained valuable experience working for the Sterling Recreation Organization, Connor Theatres in Tacoma, and The Embassy theater. His extensive background in film and projection work eventually led him to become a member of the Motion Pictures Operators Union in 1977.
In 1990, Michael launched his own film magazine, "Cult Movies," which would go on to run for an impressive 15 years and 41 issues. The first issue was a tribute to the legendary Bela Lugosi, a testament to Michael's enduring admiration for the iconic actor.
Beyond his work on "Cult Movies," Michael also made a documentary, "On the Trail of Ed Wood," in 1990, and served as a camera operator on the documentary "Ed Wood: Look Back in Angora." Additionally, he appeared as a vampire in the short fright feature "The Vampire Hunters Club" and was interviewed in the documentary "Schlock! The Secret History of American Movies."
However, Michael's life took a dramatic turn in the mid-2000s, as he struggled with the debilitating effects of epilepsy and a brain tumor. His mental state began to deteriorate, and he found himself living in poverty in various Hollywood flophouses.
Tragically, Michael's struggles culminated in a violent altercation with Hollywood Book and Poster memorabilia store owner Eric Caidin on April 18, 2008. He was arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon, subsequently serving a two-year sentence.
Despite the challenges he faced, Michael's passion for film and his contributions to the industry remain an inspiration to many. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and the enduring power of film to bring people together.
