Biography
An actor and director known for upstart independent film production company, 1817 Film Studios. Steve, perhaps best known for on camera persona on the TV series Hammer Heads and Designed to Sell, has transitioned mostly to work behind the camera as a director of independent films. His early productions of The Assignment and The Decision inspired him to launch a new brand of production, focusing on multi-cast, story-driven projects with high production value and short turn around time.
Steven Michael Hanneman was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. He attended the University of Florida and pursued a degree in finance, but he always knew he was destined for a career in TV & Film. Upon graduation, he helped his mother relocate to Tucson, AZ where he landed his first role as a stuntman at Old Tucson Studios. Having mastered high falls, pyrotechnics, hand to hand combat he moved on to the Universal Studios back-lot where he would be hired as Tony Stark (Iron Man) in the new X-men live action stunt show in Orlando, FL.
He would continue to perform a variety of roles for Disney, MGM and Universal Studios over the next several years as both an actor and stuntman until American Gladiators came to town to launch a new segment of the show. On a lark, Steve auditioned to be on the show and was hired as a contract performer under the call sign "Maverick" to compete against the original cast of the show. He capitalized on his fan popularity and transitioned to MC of the show, giving his insight as a former competitor.
Buoyed by this success, he made the transition to Los Angeles to continue pursuing more TV and film opportunities. He was offered his first contract role as a SAG performer in a national commercial, followed almost immediately by a co-star role on the hit television series ER. After several dozen commercial appearances and a few bit parts on television, the union went on strike. Steve was forced to find additional work outside the industry to supplement and stumbled on a new trade, carpentry. A motivated self-starter, Steve his own company focusing on home renovation and custom builds.
It was then, that a pivotal career opportunity came when he was offered a hosting position for the new Discovery series Deconstruction. Charged with an inquisitive mind, and a thirst for knowledge Steve found immediate success as an on-camera persona and construction expert. He would parlay that into several other successful TV series (Designed to Sell, Hammer Heads, Garage Envy, Ultimate Diver Challenge) on over 140 episodes of national television.
With the birth of his daughter Hailey, he re-directed his energy towards the production side of film making, shadowing some of Hollywood's most elite actors and directors. In the interim, he also coached actors at the New York SAG/AFTRA Conservatory, lending his insight into the art of storytelling.
