German film producer, Michael Schaefer is popularly known for the 2015 film The Martian. Michael Schaefer in 2012, after leaving Summit Entertainment, was hired as the president of the Ridley Scott`s company Scott Free Productions. Schaefer in 2015 produced the science fiction film The Martian starring Matt Damon, which Scott directed. He received an Academy Award nomination for the film for Best Picture at the 88th Academy Awards along with Simon Kinberg, Scott, and Mark Huffam. His recent project includes the film, Ad Astra.