His first feature as writer and director, The Life and Hard Times of Guy Terrifico, a mockumentary about an elusive country music star, premiered at TIFF to popular and critical acclaim, receiving the Best Canadian First Feature Award. His second directorial effort, Citizen Duane, also premiered at TIFF. More recently, Michael Mabbott co-created, co-wrote and directed the six-part limited series, The Yard, for HBO Canada/TMN/Movie Central. Also a mockumentary, The Yard focused on school yard politics and justice. Music Lessons is Michael's first “real" documentary film.