Michael J. Hein, a prominent figure in the New York City independent film scene, has cultivated a remarkable 15-year legacy of unwavering dedication and pioneering spirit as the President of Moodude Films and Founder of the esteemed New York City Horror Film Festival.
Throughout his illustrious career, Hein has demonstrated an extraordinary versatility, effortlessly navigating a wide range of roles with ease and aplomb, including Special Effects Make-up Artist, 1st Assistant Director, Unit Production Manager, Screenwriter, Director, and Producer.
This multifaceted artist's impressive repertoire has not only showcased his remarkable adaptability but also solidified his position as a leading champion for independent film in New York City, with a special emphasis on the horror genre.
As a result, Hein has established himself as a respected authority in the industry, earning a reputation for his tireless efforts to promote and nurture the growth of independent filmmaking in the city, particularly within the horror genre.
His tireless commitment to his craft has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the New York City film scene, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers and cementing his status as a true pioneer in the world of independent cinema.
Michael's production company, Moodude Films, has been responsible for the creation of a vast array of cinematic masterpieces, boasting a diverse filmography that spans numerous years and genres, with a remarkable ability to traverse and excel within various styles, formats, and themes.
Michael's early high school years proved to be a pivotal time in the development of his interest in special effects makeup, as he devoted himself to mastering the art of creating eerie and convincing visual effects that so convincingly deceived his classmates and instructors that they were often left wondering how he achieved such realistic and frightening results, thus laying the foundation for a lifelong passion that would eventually become the driving force behind his professional endeavors.
Michael's entry into the film industry unfolded after the successful completion of his academic tenure at The Art Institute of Philadelphia, a renowned institution that has a long history of fostering and nurturing the creative potential of its students.
With his formal education now behind him, Michael seized the opportunity to intern at The Shooting Gallery, a highly respected independent production company based in Manhattan, boasting an impressive track record of producing critically acclaimed films that have garnered widespread recognition and acclaim, including the iconic "Sling Blade" and other indie classics that have left a lasting impact on the industry.
Michael has had a remarkable career, marked by a plethora of significant contributions to over twenty feature films, which has solidified his reputation as a talented and versatile professional in the industry.
His impressive portfolio is also noteworthy, as it includes not only the writing and direction of his first feature film, Biohazardous, but also its co-production, which premiered in the year 2001.
This ambitious project has been showcased at a total of eight international film festivals, garnering widespread recognition and acclaim in the process.
Moreover, Biohazardous has received an impressive six nominations for the prestigious "killer-B" award, which serves as a testament to its outstanding quality and Michael's exceptional filmmaking skills.
The cinematic masterpiece, Biohazardous, has achieved an impressive array of accolades, including the recognition of excellence in the realm of special effects, as evidenced by the two prestigious awards bestowed upon it by the B Movie Film Festival, specifically the Outstanding Special Effects Award, a testament to the creative genius and technical prowess of the filmmaking team. Furthermore, this remarkable film has also been honored with the Judge's Choice Award, a distinction that underscores its exceptional quality and artistic merit. Moreover, Biohazardous has received the Director's Choice Award for Best Special Effects at the Oklahoma Bare Bones Film Festival, a further validation of its innovative visual storytelling and mastery of the cinematic arts.
Notable for its unprecedented critical acclaim, this pioneering motion picture has garnered widespread recognition and admiration from the press and horror enthusiasts, with IF Magazine going to great lengths to praise the trailer, even ranking it above those of the highly anticipated blockbusters Jurassic Park III (2001) and Planet of the Apes (2001),a testament to the film's remarkable visual mastery and captivating narrative prowess.
Michael's remarkable career trajectory has been punctuated by a diverse array of esteemed titles, including Make-up Artist, Screenwriter, Director, and Producer, each one underscoring his versatility and dedication to the craft. However, his most recent and arguably most impressive achievement is his appointment as Director of the New York City Horror Film Festival, a highly anticipated and revered genre film festival that has become a staple of the city's cultural landscape. Held annually at various iconic venues throughout the city, the festival attracts attendees from far and wide, drawn in by the promise of experiencing the best of horror cinema in a unique and unforgettable setting.
