Michael J. Hein(1970-2011)
- Special Effects
- Producer
- Actor
Michael J. Hein, President of Moodude Films and Founder of the New York
City Horror Film Festival, has been working in the New York City
independent film scene for fifteen years. Michael and his company,
Moodude Films, is considered one of the leading proponents of
independent film in New York City, especially in the horror genre.
Michael has done it all, from Special Effects Make-up Artist to 1st AD,
UPM and now Screenwriter, Director and Producer. Through his company
Moodude Films, Michael has produced dozens of films,
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
just a few. Michael's first passion was for special effects makeup.
Even in high school, he was accomplished at creating scary effects that
deceived everyone. He went on to attend The Art Institute of
Philadelphia and, upon graduation, he enjoyed an internship at The
Shooting Gallery. This independent production company, located in
Manhattan, produced the film, "Sling Blade", among others independent
classics. His accomplishments include key credits in over twenty
feature films. In 1999, Michael wrote, directed, and co-produced his
first feature film,
Biohazardous (2001), to date the
film has been screened at eight international film festivals, received
six "killer-B" award nominations for Best cinematography, Best makeup,
Best action sequence, Best set design, Best villain. Judge's Selection.
It has won two B Movie Film Festival Awards for Best special effects,
Judge's Choice. It also won the Director's Choice for best special
effects award at the Oklahoma, Bare Bones Film Festival. Biohazardous
has screened at six international film festivals and has received
tremendous support from the press and horror film fanatics alike. "IF
Magazine" even rated the trailer for
Biohazardous (2001) higher than it
rated those for
Jurassic Park III (2001) and
Planet of the Apes (2001). As
if Make-up Artist, Screenwriter, Director and Producer were not enough,
Michael is now the director of the first New York City Horror Film
Festival. America's most highly anticipated genre film festival is held
yearly at venues throughout the city.