Michael J. Hein, a stalwart figure in the New York City independent film scene, has been making waves for an impressive fifteen years. As the President of Moodude Films and Founder of the New York City Horror Film Festival, Michael has established himself as a leading proponent of independent film, particularly in the horror genre.
With a career spanning multiple roles, Michael has worn many hats, including Special Effects Make-up Artist, 1st AD, UPM, Screenwriter, Director, and Producer. Through his company, Moodude Films, Michael has produced a plethora of films, such as Blood Trails (2006),Dead Serious (2005),Red Hook (2009),Biohazardous (2001),Cyclone (2004),This Is How My Brother Died (2004),and Killer Shorts (2009),to name a few.
Michael's passion for special effects makeup began in high school, where he honed his skills, creating terrifying effects that deceived even the most discerning eyes. He went on to attend The Art Institute of Philadelphia, where he completed an internship at The Shooting Gallery, an independent production company in Manhattan, responsible for producing films like "Sling Blade".
Michael's impressive credits include key roles in over twenty feature films. In 1999, he wrote, directed, and co-produced his first feature film, Biohazardous (2001),which has been screened at eight international film festivals, garnering six "killer-B" award nominations for Best cinematography, Best makeup, Best action sequence, Best set design, Best villain, and Judge's Selection. The film has won two B Movie Film Festival Awards for Best special effects, Judge's Choice, and the Director's Choice for best special effects award at the Oklahoma Bare Bones Film Festival.
Biohazardous has received widespread acclaim, screening at six international film festivals and garnering praise from the press and horror film enthusiasts alike. The trailer for Biohazardous (2001) even received a higher rating from IF Magazine than those for Jurassic Park III (2001) and Planet of the Apes (2001).
In addition to his impressive body of work as Make-up Artist, Screenwriter, Director, and Producer, Michael is now the director of the first New York City Horror Film Festival, America's most highly anticipated genre film festival, held yearly at various venues throughout the city.
