23/06/2025
In Loving Memory of Michael Peter Schmidt (1973 – 2025)
President, Sipur Studios
Our dear Michael Peter Schmidt, “The Oracle of Sipur” as we often called you. The heart and soul of a young company trying to rise up. You were our guiding source, our compass, and our spark.
Michael embodied the true essence of why we do this — why we tell stories at all. He was a creative through and through, a boy who grew up with the camera glued to his hand, who lived for making people smile and "feel something," as he would say, who lived for storytelling, who was ready at any point in the day to talk through an idea with you. Big or small. Morning or night.
He was so excited by life, by things, by technology, by history. A fascination that most executives and people with his experience and stature would never dare to show. After decades of being in this industry, he was STILL excited by every facet of it — from the seed of an idea, to the long hours of its development, pre-production, post-production, dailies, excels … TABLE READS! He wasn't afraid to be vulnerable. And most importantly, he was absolutely hilarious, a comedy lover and a joke enthusiast with a laugh and sense of humor that could lift anyone up.
We are so grateful for our time with you, Michael.
Thank you for your wisdom, your patience, your leadership, love, and your willingness to take us on, your crazy Israeli family.
Michael and his wife, Gaby Sonnenberg, were married for 25 years. He loved his family deeply — Gaby and their three children: Jonathan, Julia Esther, and Bennet Sonnenberg.
All our love and strength go out to them.
We will carry you with us forever.
