Michael J. Hein(1970-2011)

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 La planète des singes (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.