Wauwatosa native heading to the Oscars

WAUWATOSA (WITI) -- The vibrant and fantastic scenes in "Beasts of the Southern Wild" feel worlds away from life in Wisconsin.  Still, the Oscar-nominated film for Best Picture has a strong link to the city in executive producer Michael Raisler.

His proud parents, Ann and John Raisler, live in Wauwatosa.  Raisler grew up there and graduated from Pius High School in 2003.

Thursday was an emotional day for the Raislers, as they learned the film their son worked on for four years had been nominated for four Academy Awards.

"I just started to bawl my eyes out.  I spent most of the morning crying," said Ann Raisler.

"The first phone calls I noticed were from my mom.  I think I got five in a row," said Michael Raisler.

Raisler says his love of movies began as a kid.  He spent countless hours at independent theaters like the Rosebud Cinema and The Oriental.

"Growing up in Milwaukee I really fell in love with film, and a certain kind of film," said Michael Raisler.

Fast-forward several years and Raisler was in New Orleans filming "Beasts."  His parents would soon watch the world premiere at Sundance.  The film received a standing ovation.

Raisler went to New York University and now lives in New York City.  He works for a non-profit production company called Cinereach.

His parents say Raisler helped with everything from casting of "Beasts," to arranging food and housing, to shooting film.  They hope to throw a big Oscar night viewing party in Wauwatosa for all their friends.