If you’re the type that likes a classic bio with credits, awards and name dropping you can read that here.
If you’re the type that’s into an origin story, keep scrolling.
Hi. I’m Michelle.
Writing a bio for yourself is weird, isn’t it? I hate it. I’d rather write yours. That’s a lie. I’d rather tell your story through a series of moving images.
But alas, this page isn’t about you, it’s about me.
13 years ago I escaped Florida and moved to the city. As in the city, New York.
At the time I didn’t realize I needed to escape. I was just hungry for something different and was in a place so low, that there was nowhere to go but up. I figured fuck it, why not try to do the thing you’ve always wanted to do – make movies.
I did not go to film school, I had zero connections in the biz and at the time I knew approximately one New Yorker. On a whim and a prayer I applied for a job through Craigslist AND I FRIGGIN’ GOT IT.
When you know nothing you don’t know enough to know when you’re doing something a little bit crazy. Ya know?
Since then, I have made a whole bunch of stuff and that stuff has been critically acclaimed and even won awards. Turns out the blind ambition that comes from not knowing can be pretty powerful.
I know as artists we’re supposed to pick a lane but I prefer to run wild. I’d rather paint new lines than play within the ones that already exist. I’m happily all over the map. Diversity gets me excited.
And when storytelling and imagination collide in a series of moving images? Shoo. That shit gives me heart explosions. I love it.
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Michelle is an award winning writer, director & producer with over a decade of experience in multiple industries including independent film, advertising, music and design.
As a filmmaker with a deep (and sometimes painful) passion for independent film, Michelle has successfully raised financing for, and produced, multiple feature films including the critically acclaimed, Sundance Award Winning film NANCY — starring Andrea Riseborough, Steve Buscemi, J. Smith-Cameron, John Leguizamo and Ann Dowd — nominated for 2 Film Independent Spirit Awards. Powered by women, NANCY is written and directed by a woman, produced by women and financed by women, with a production crew of 80% women and 50% POC.
Other recent feature film credits include — producing WE’VE FORGOTTEN MORE THAN WE EVER KNEW, (WINNER, Best Feature Film, Rome International Film Festival) starring Louisa Krause, Aaron Stanford and Doug Jones; and co-producing GROWING UP SMITH (WINNER, Beast Narrative Feature, Woodstock Film Festival) starring Jason Lee. Both films were released in 2017.
In addition to her work as an independent film producer, Michelle is also an award winning film director with her documentary feature film, THE PIANO: AN ODYSSEY, winning Best Feature Film, Films by Women, at the 2014 Burbank International Film Festival.
Her award-winning commercial work includes branded original content, ads and promos for L’Oréal Paris, Lifetime, Instagram, Google, Cartier, Visa, NFL, A&E, AMC and BET.
Michelle’s music video work includes Yoko Ono’s “Bad Dancer,” Paramore’s “Ain’t It Fun” and multiple videos for Grammy-winning artists The National. Most recently Michelle directed “Wild Woman”, a music video featuring Lee Taylor & the Resistance Revival Chorus. “Wild Woman” was selected as one of three finalists in the 2021 Moment Invitational Film Festival.
Through her work Michelle advocates for social change behind the scenes and in front of the camera by combining her love of storytelling and imagination with her passion for creating empathy through art.
Some of her social impact work includes producing a series of short documentaries, powered by Google, featuring intimate portraits of allies and members of the LGBTQ community across America; and directing a short documentary for iCivics — a nonprofit providing civic education to students across America lead by Justice Sonia Sotomayor and founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. In 2018 Michelle spoke on the Consciously Independent Producing Panel at the Mill Valley Film Festival’s MIND THE GAP SUMMIT alongside Anna Paquin & Cerise Hallam Larkin, moderated by Chaz Ebert.
In 2021 Michelle was commissioned by Xiaomi Global Studios to write and direct her short film MY SUPER WORLD. Released in October of 2021, MY SUPER WORLD was also adapted into a short film series and garnered over 1 million views on TikTok.
Currently, Michelle is developing an anthology series centered around women’s economic inequality charting its ripple effect on the everyday lives of women in America through documentary film, a series of fictional short stories, a collection of short films and an immersive installation exhibition.
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ONE MILLION+ VEWS, “My Super World” — original short film written & directed by Michelle.
FINALIST & OFFICIAL SELECTION, Moment Invitational Film Festival, “Wild Woman”
WINNER, Best Feature Film, Burbank International Film Festival, “The Piano” written & directed by
WINNER, Best Domestic Narrative Feature, Rome International Film Festival, “We’ve Forgotten”
WINNER, Sundance Film Festival, “NANCY”
WINNER, Sitges Film Festival (SPAIN), “NANCY”
WINNER, Grand Jury Prize, Skip City International Film Festival (JAPAN), “NANCY”
WINNER, 28th Annual Golden Rooster (CHINA), “NANCY”
WINNER, Best Narrative Feature, Woodstock Film Festival, “Growing Up Smith”
WINNER, Garden State Film Festival, “Growing Up Smith”
WINNER, CAMMFest, “Growing Up Smith”
2x NOMINEE, Film Independent Spirit Awards, “NANCY”
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I’ve raised millions in equity for independent film.
Produced the critically acclaimed & Sundance Award Winning independent feature film, NANCY.
My directorial debut feature-length documentary, THE PIANO, won Best Feature Film at the Burbank Int’l Film Festival.
Every independent feature film I’ve produced and/or directed has been awarded BEST FEATURE FILM.
I produced Yoko Ono’s “Bad Dancer”.
I love finding and supporting new talent.
Have sponsored and helped multiple filmmakers get visas.
Traveled the world speaking publicly about changing the landscape for women in film.
Terrified of public speaking.
I met Justice Sotomayor after directing a short doc for iCivics - a non profit that provides civic education to children across America.
Served on the New York Advisory Board for iCivics.
I’m obsessed with Monty Don and British Gardening shows.
Directing an episode of Doctor Who is on my bucket list.
The TikTok mini series I created for Xiaomi Global (MY SUPER WORLD) was viewed over a million times.
I don’t use TikTok. *GASP*
Things critics* have said.
(*who liked something I made)
"Far ahead of most acclaimed movies in theaters now.” – Richard Brody, THE NEW YORKER
"Scene by scene, NANCY is riveting.” – David Edelstein, VULTURE
"Subtle and effective in nearly every aspect of the film." – Dana Schwartz, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
"Hits every emotional beat. Beyond impressive.” – David Fear, ROLLING STONE
"A twisted and wholly satisfying psychological thriller." – Kate Erbland, IndieWIRE
“Smith-Cameron exudes a tremulous maternal warmth that feels achingly real, and Buscemi has rarely, if ever, been more touching.” – Jon Frosch, THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
Noteworthy + Awards
ONE MILLION+ VEWS, “My Super World” — original short film written & directed by Michelle.
FINALIST & OFFICIAL SELECTION, Moment Invitational Film Festival, “Wild Woman”
WINNER, Best Feature Film, Burbank International Film Festival, “The Piano”
WINNER, Best Domestic Narrative Feature, Rome International Film Festival, “We’ve Forgotten”
WINNER, Sundance Film Festival, “NANCY”
WINNER, Sitges Film Festival (SPAIN), “NANCY”
WINNER, Grand Jury Prize, Skip City International Film Festival (JAPAN), “NANCY”
WINNER, 28th Annual Golden Rooster (CHINA), “NANCY”
WINNER, Best Narrative Feature, Woodstock Film Festival, “Growing Up Smith”
WINNER, Garden State Film Festival, “Growing Up Smith”
WINNER, CAMMFest, “Growing Up Smith”
2x NOMINEE, Film Independent Spirit Awards, “NANCY”
FAQs
I’ve raised millions in equity for independent film.
Produced the critically acclaimed & Sundance Award Winning independent feature film, NANCY.
My directorial debut feature-length documentary, THE PIANO, won Best Feature Film at the Burbank Int’l Film Festival.
Every independent feature film I’ve produced and/or directed has been awarded BEST FEATURE FILM.
I produced Yoko Ono’s “Bad Dancer”.
I love finding and supporting new talent.
Have sponsored and helped multiple filmmakers get visas.
Traveled the world speaking publicly about changing the landscape for women in film.
Terrified of public speaking.
I met Justice Sotomayor after directing a short doc for iCivics - a non profit that provides civic education to children across America.
Served on the New York Advisory Board for iCivics.
I’m obsessed with Monty Don and British Gardening shows.
Directing an episode of Doctor Who is on my bucket list.
The TikTok mini series I created for Xiaomi Global (MY SUPER WORLD) was viewed over a million times.
I don’t use TikTok. *GASP*
Catalogue of Select Works*
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2022 – MAKE BELIEVE (short) – WRITER / DIRECTOR / PRODUCER
2021 – MY SUPER WORLD (short) – WRITER / DIRECTOR / PRODUCER
2018 – NANCY – PRODUCER
2017 – RESOLUTIONS (short) – EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
2016 – WE’VE FORGOTTEN MORE THAN WE EVER KNEW – PRODUCER
2015 – GROWING UP SMITH – PRODUCER
2014 – THE PIANO: AN ODYSSEY – WRITER / DIRECTOR / PRODUCER
2014 – DIGITAL PHYSICS – PRODUCER
2013 – HITS – UNIT PRODUCTION MANAGER
2012 – OLD 37 – UNIT PRODUCTION MANAGER
2011 – FIRST WINTER – UNIT PRODUCTION MANAGER
2010 – VAMPERIFICA – PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
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2021 – “My Super World” TikTok series – WRITER / DIRECTOR / PRODUCER
2020 – L'Oréal Paris HAIR MEETS BROWS – WRITER / DIRECTOR / PRODUCER
2020 – L'Oréal Paris WOMEN OF WORTH #AtHome Ep. 1: Community Empowerment – WRITER / DIRECTOR / PRODUCER
2020 – L'Oréal Paris WOMEN OF WORTH #AtHome Ep. 2: Community Activism – WRITER / DIRECTOR / PRODUCER
2020 – L'Oréal Paris YOUR HAIR #AtHome Ep. 1 & 2 – WRITER / DIRECTOR / PRODUCER
2020 – L'Oréal Paris YOUR SKIN #AtHome Ep. 1– WRITER / DIRECTOR / PRODUCER
2020 – L'Oréal Paris LE LOOK Episodes 1 & 2: SIR JOHN– WRITER / DIRECTOR / PRODUCER
2019 – BET Breast Cancer Awareness PSA (BROADCAST) – PRODUCER
2018 – Instagram, IGTV Creator Collab Original Serial Content (multiple series / episodes) – LEAD CREATIVE PRODUCER
2018 – iCivics for ELL Impact "Do I Have A Right?” (BRANDED CONTENT / SHORT DOC) – WRITER / DIRECTOR
2017 – Google Pride #ShowUp Campaign (50+ SHORT DOCS) – PRODUCER
2016 – Accenture Interactive “Content is H2O” (ANIMATION + LIVE ACTION) – WRITER / DIRECTOR / PRODUCER
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2021 – Lee Taylor & the Resistance Revival Chorus: “Wild Woman” – WRITER / DIRECTOR / PRODUCER
2020 – Mesh Pace & the Resistance Revival Chorus: “I Hope” – DIRECTOR / PRODUCER
2014 – Salt Cathedral: “Holy Soul” – EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
2014 – Paramore: “Aint It Fun” – PRODUCER
2014 – The National: “I Need My Girl” – PRODUCER VULTURE: 15 Best Music Videos of 2014
2014 – Bernhoft: “Come Around” – PRODUCER
2013 – The Pretty Reckless: “Going to Hell” – PRODUCER
2013 – Yoko Ono: “Bad Dancer” – PRODUCER TIME: Top 10 of Everything Arts & Entertainment
2013 – The National: “Graceless” – PRODUCER
2013 – The National “Sea of Love” – PRODUCER
2013 – Guy Sebastian: “Like a Drum” – PRODUCER / EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
2013 – Swim Deep: “She Changes the Weather” – PRODUCER
2012 – Lianne La Havas: “Forget” – PRODUCER
2012 – You Me At Six: “Bite My Tongue” – PRODUCER
*Full list of credits available upon request.