Behind the Studio

Justin Ciambra - Executive Producer & Editor

Justin Ciambra, founder of Justin Michael Studios, began his career in 2004 working in unscripted television. Since then, his career has spanned a wide range of genres—from docuseries and reality TV to talk shows and comedy—for networks like MTV, TLC, HGTV, Bravo, and more.

What ties it all together is a focus on storytelling that feels human, unforced, and worth watching. That same editorial instinct—shaped over years of working on real, unscripted moments—now guides everything we do here. Whether we’re producing a wedding film or building something personal from existing footage, our goal is always the same: keep it real, stay true to what matters most, and make the process feel as easy and collaborative as possible.*

*Doggos not included (Sorry!)

Liz Layton - Story Producer

Two-time Emmy Award–winning producer Liz Layton brings over 30 years of experience in lifestyle television to Justin Michael Studios. With an instinct for story and a deep understanding of human emotion, she’s helped shape unscripted narratives for TLC, HGTV, Discovery, National Geographic Channel, and more.

Her credits include long-running audience favorites like House Hunters International, A Baby Story, Since I Said Yes: Say Yes to the Dress, 90 Day Fiancé, and Long Island Medium — shows that connect by being both emotionally grounded and deeply human.

At Justin Michael Studios, Liz helps shape the narrative spine of every Long Story Short film. With a gift for identifying the moments that matter, she brings cohesion, personality, and emotional depth to each story — ensuring the final cut reflects not just what happened, but what it meant.

Michael Ollek -
Director of Photography

With over two decades behind the lens, Mike Ollek brings both artistry and precision to every shoot. From the streets of New York City to remote villages in Asia, his camera work has shaped some of the most emotionally resonant and visually dynamic stories in unscripted television—including Since I Said Yes: Say Yes to the Dress, 90 Day Fiancé, and Long Island Medium.

Known for his calm presence and a sharp instinct for capturing the unscripted, Mike has a refined, low-footprint approach that allows real moments to unfold naturally. He works closely with a trusted network of camera operators to ensure every project—no matter the scale—meets the highest level of visual storytelling.

At Justin Michael Studios, Mike leads the charge in bringing a cinematic eye to real-life events, helping every story look and feel like it belongs on screen.

Where You’ve Seen Us
Collectively, we’ve worked on over 50 series across nearly every major network.
From award-winning docuseries to reality classics and lifestyle staples, here’s a glimpse into the world we’ve helped shape.
TLC dark logo TLC color logo
Say Yes to the Dress
Match Me Abroad
Seeking Brother Husband
A Baby Story
Say Yes: Randy Knows Best
I Found the Gown
I Love A Mama’s Boy
Dragnificent
Since I Said Yes
Four Weddings
Four Babies and a Wedding
90 Day Fiance
Brides Gone Styled
Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids
The Lottery Changed My Life
Obese and Expecting
Bravo dark logo Bravo color logo
100 Days of Summer
Project Runway
The Fashion Show
Don’t Be Tardy…
Make Me a Supermodel
HGTV dark logo HGTV color logo
House Hunters: International
Mexico Life
Caribbean Life
Island Life
Hawaii Life
One Week to Sell
Beachfront Bargain Hunt
Lakefront Bargain Hunt
Christmas Design Special
Courtney the Renovator
What’s Your Sign Design
Under One Roof
Cabana Royale
MTV dark logo MTV color logo
Scarred
Room Raiders 2.0
The Man & Wife Show
Breaking From Above
Discovery dark logo Discovery color logo
Storm Chasers
Epic Bar Builds
Mystery Diagnosis
A&E dark logo A&E color logo
Biography
1000 Ways to Dine
Twisted Recipes
Paranormal State
Travel Channel dark logo Travel Channel color logo
Hotel Impossible
Hotel Showdown
Toy Hunters
History Channel dark logo History Channel color logo
Pawn Stars
Big in Topeka
FOX dark logo FOX color logo
The Simple Life: Interns
The Secrets of Christmas: Revealed
Animal Planet dark logo Animal Planet color logo
TruTV dark logo TruTV color logo
Tubi dark logo Tubi color logo
Oxygen dark logo Oxygen color logo
Food Network dark logo Food Network color logo
Pop TV dark logo Pop TV color logo
Lifetime dark logo Lifetime color logo