A world-class rock climber, Jean-Michel has pioneered some of the most difficult sport climbing routes in the world, climbed the legendary "American Direct" at the Drus and Mt. Blanc at age 14, graduated from Art school, won stunt and photography Awards, hold a Guinness world record, and moved the Unites States for a new challenge...

Jean-Michel started as a rock climber and martial artist at the age of 5. In his 20s, he went on to pioneer some of the most difficult routes in Europe, made countless ascents in the Alps, and participated in the very first rock climbing competitions and the World Cup. Already in the 1980's largely involved in the sporting education of younger athletes, "JM" also helped improve numerous safety products and gear for the climbing and mountaineering industry, while setting an example of professionalism in a green industry by always offering his sponsors returns beyond their expectations.

Along with other French and German buddies, he was "one of the first sponsored climbers on earth actually making a living out of his Passion and dedication the sport." Among his many climbing accomplishments, he free soloed 5-12d in Cimai in 1989 and later ended his professional sports career as a climber in 1991 by rep-pointing 5-14b "The Specialists" (the highest level of difficulty at that time) and setting a Guinness world record on the Eiffel Tower with his 20-minute free solo climb.

Self-managed during his 5-year sports career from 1986 to 1991, Jean-Michel was sponsored by Oakley, Nike, Suzuki, Asolo, Beal, Petzl and Nikon. He went on to study architecture and design at "Les Beaux Arts" of Toulon, France, and with his "partner in crime" Philip Poulet, created a revolutionary technique in photographing rock climbing that became immensely popular. During this period of time, Jean-Michel designed advertising campaigns with climbing as a focus, while publishing his photos in major European publications such as Le Figaro Magazine, VSD and Paris Match. His creative sense subsequently led him to become an art director and a writer for the motion pictures industry and other prestigious publications.

However, it was the Eiffel Tower climb that launched his career in the entertainment industry. With 3 black belts in Martial Arts and a long history in the field of rock climbing, he is still regarded by the French and Hollywood stunt community as one of the premier rock climbing, rigging and stage fighting specialists.

Jean-Michel's interest in the (motion pictures) industry led him to seek work as a stunt man, stunt coordinator and 2nd unit director for TV series and reality shows. With his original ideas and uniquely combined artistic, athletic skills, Mr. Casanova helped the comedy talk-shows "Super Nana" and "Super Mec" become the highest rated in television history in France. His new passion led him to pursue a stunt-career in France and later to relocate to Los Angeles. He has worked on syndicated TV productions such as Caroline in the City, The X-Files, Jag, and Dharma & Greg, as well as on many independent films. His new 5-14 challenge includes merging his talents in the world of rock climbing and photography with his passion for film with the creation of his marvelous "Kids of Climbing" multimedia project and live-action feature film, PJ Man.