Hey, I'm Michael Alan!

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Michael Alan Herman is an award-winning writer from St. Joseph, Michigan. He is the writer behind James Franco’s horror film THE MAD WHALE in collaboration with Elysium Bandini Studios, and has written for CBS, Tiktok and Spotify to name a few. Michael is an Austin Film Festival semi-finalist, a Sundance Lab second-rounder, and the recipient of the $10,000 Jay roach scholarship for excellence in cinematic writing. He has collaborated with James Corden (THE LATE LATE SHOW), Max Greenfield (NEW GIRL), and James Franco (THE DISASTER ARTIST).

My Projects

Projects I'm Supporting

Exuvia

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Film Short
Drama

A 90s teenager's growing maturity puts her at odds with her best friend the summer before high school.

127%

This project got the green light!

Walter, Grace, & The Submarine - A Midwestern RomCom

Grand Rapids, Michigan Film Feature
Drama, Romantic Comedy

Over the course of a weekend, two young artists bond over odd parents, odd senses of humor, and religious trauma.

92%

This project got the green light!

Reopening

New York City, New York Film Short
Documentary, Drama

In Bay Ridge, Brooklyn during the Covid-19 PAUSE order, several small business owners find creative solutions to keep their doors open.

101%

This project got the green light!

QUEUE

Athens, Georgia Film Short
Drama, Sci-Fi

A woman suffering from nightmares murders a psychologist in order to ask for an identity from an Artificial Intelligence.

118%

This project got the green light!

Later Gator

Sag Harbor, New York Film Short
Drama

Best friends since childhood – Baird and Noah's relationship changes forever after a fateful day at the ocean.

128%

This project got the green light!

Dick Bunny

Los Angeles, California Series
Comedy

A British children’s book character comes to life in the bathroom of a sleep-deprived mom.

101%

This project got the green light!

Red Hand

Tempe, Arizona Film Short
Drama, Mystery

A young Navajo girl experiences her older sister's disappearance, including her family, they face challenges with the legal authorities.

101%

This project got the green light!

Use Your Words

Maplewood, New Jersey Film Short
Drama

A friendship between two lonely mothers is plunged into jeopardy when a painful event from one's past comes to light.

155%

This project got the green light!

Life at Sandy's

Tvedestrand, Norway Film Feature
Drama, Horror

A grieving American stuck in a small Norway town finds solace in a sitcom with characters that slowly pull her into their sinister TV world.

100%

This project got the green light!

Knee High

Des Moines, Iowa Film Feature
Drama, Family

When sudden loss disrupts his rural life, Cal must choose between saving the family farm, or pursuing an unknown future with his son.

115%

This project got the green light!

MATARON A PEDRO

San Juan, Puerto Rico Film Short
Drama, Thriller

In 1930s Puerto Rico, a Black Harvard-educated lawyer faces off with the white Chief of Police and governor over island-wide strikes.

124%

This project got the green light!

The Dinner

Dallas, Texas Film Short
Horror, Thriller

Crystal brings her boyfriend home to meet her overbearing mother, only to realize she would need to protect herself from her mother.

101%

This project got the green light!

Helping a Stranger

Tempe, Arizona Film Short
Drama

A young homeless man named Jack is taken under the wing of an older man named Lewis. They form a father and son relationship, but not all re

87%

This project got the green light!

Spooky Society

Savannah, Georgia Film Short
Teen, Horror

In Savannah, Georgia - America's most haunted city - a group of teens come together to create an amateur paranormal investigative vlog.

80%

This project got the green light!

Black Veil (Slasher Short Film)

Los Angeles, California Film Short
Comedy, Horror

Two besties working the closing shift at a bridal boutique must face their own commitment issues… and the veiled killer waiting to strike.

100%

This project got the green light!

Golden Boys

Los Angeles, California Film Short
Comedy, LGBTQ

A tender little comedy about what male friendship can be, brought to you by none other than the fumblings of trans boys.

109%

This project got the green light!

The Queer Agenda: A Great American Road Trip

Seattle, Washington Series
Documentary, Talk-Show

A group of moms and two of their queer adult children drive across the country to get a glimpse at the realities queer folks face.

86%

This project got the green light!

Love in the Evening Films

Dallas, Texas Film Short
Drama, Romance

Although forced to separate due to life’s unexpected challenges, two young lovers seek their way back to each other five years later.

100%

This project got the green light!

The Grief Counselor

Statesville, North Carolina Film Short
Drama

An Army Veteran juggles life as a grief counselor while battling her own demons and trying to reconcile a relationship with her husband.

97%

This project got the green light!

It Happens at Night

New York City, New York Film Short
Horror, Thriller

Following the disappearance of her child, young Laurie is asked to watch over the home of the widowed mother.

95%

This project got the green light!

Carry That Weight

Los Angeles, California Film Short
Crime, Drama

The death of a woman weighs heavy on two strangers

101%

This project got the green light!

The Moon, The Sun, and The World

New Haven, Connecticut Film Short
Drama

Over a night of reading tarot, two estranged friends explore what remains of their relationship.

103%

This project got the green light!

Caro Simone (Dear Simone)

Los Angeles, California Film Short
Drama, Romance

An unwanted pregnancy leads a struggling novelist to shake up her love life and pursue a journey of self discovery.

159%

This project got the green light!

Ankorr 643

London, United Kingdom Radio & Podcasts
Sci-Fi, LGBTQ

A brand-new Sci-Fi Podcast, following the story of Irvin Botkin as he works on creating a chip his father never finished.

89%

This project got the green light!

Play Date

Los Angeles, California Film Short
Comedy, Drama

A young girl learns the cost of friendship.

100%

This project got the green light!

Rent

Los Angeles, California Theatre
Musical

Help us welcome audiences back with our own take on this beautiful story of love, community, grief, joy, and finding each other in the dark.

98%

This project got the green light!

Fogtown

Portland, Oregon Series
Comedy, Mystery

A handcrafted mystery TV series full of laughs, adventure, and heartfelt Sherlock Holmes riffs – all made with finger puppets!

104%

This project got the green light!

The Awkward Stage

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Film Feature
Drama, Comedy

Lost in an educational wasteland, a middle school reject falls in love with a sculpture.

104%

This project got the green light!

Cellar Door

Huntington, New York Film Short
Drama, History

Take it easy, but take it.

100%

This project got the green light!

The Visitant

Florence, Alabama Film Short
Drama, Horror

When a young woman inherits her family home, she must make up for the ghosts of her family's past or continue her family's secret.

96%

This project got the green light!

Gentle Boy

New York City, New York Film Short
Drama

A young African American tries to navigate through life ~ and come to terms with a painful upbringing ~ through his photography.

114%

This project got the green light!

Crayons - A Short Film

Orlando, Florida Film Short
Drama

A vignette in the life of a young, creative African American boy named Zion as he learns to use art to cope with the pressures of society.

141%

This project got the green light!

The Albatross Cafe

New York City, New York Film Short
Comedy, LGBTQ

When a woman’s best ‘Judy’ asks for his spare keys back, she is sent on a whirlwind journey to the liminal land of the single, aging woman.

104%

This project got the green light!

Twister

Dallas, Texas Film Short
Comedy, Drama

Tornado sirens sound while two sisters walk to school. Trapped in a storm closet for 15 minutes, Monica must be the mother she's never had.

147%

This project got the green light!

Can't Sleep

Toronto, Canada Film Short
Action, Thriller

A kid is forced to get a job babysitting, unaware of the danger and destruction that someone with a sleeping condition can cause...

102%

This project got the green light!

The Magic Ticket

Los Angeles, California Film Short
Drama, Shorts Program

After trying to get a meal at a fancy restaurant, a homeless female veterans finds her voice for the first time in many years.

83%

This project got the green light!

ANIMALS

Los Angeles, California Film Short
Drama

Recently moved from the USVI, 21yr old Jordan’s perspective is forever changed when he’s pulled over by the LAPD with his white roommate.

106%

This project got the green light!

I Want You to Live the film

Tempe, Arizona Film Short
Drama, Teen

A story following an Asian-American teenager in her journey of loss and grief after losing her parents.

105%

This project got the green light!

Modern Shaman

Minneapolis, Minnesota Film Short
Comedy, Drama

A modern shaman named Modern Shaman has a spiritual quarter life revelation: to embark on a wild path of being a performing artist.

102%

This project got the green light!

Friend Divorce

Los Angeles, California Film Feature
Comedy, Drama

A platonic rom-com that explores female friendship in all of its joys and heartbreak when two best friends break up.

88%

This project got the green light!

Strawberry

Los Angeles, California Film Short
Horror, LGBTQ

After the death of her abusive ex, Nova connects with his girlfriend - only to realize some spirits have a hard time staying buried.

83%

This project got the green light!

New Me - Web Series

Austin, Texas Series
Comedy

An inexperienced college freshman struggles to find herself in a world where social media pressures the narrative of young women.

102%

This project got the green light!

Unstoppable the Music Video

Savannah, Georgia Music Video
Fantasy, Musical

A coming of age story with two girls, destined for magic and greatness find the magic within themslves.

116%

This project got the green light!

Little Anna

Los Angeles, California Film Short
Drama

A teacher receives an odd new student, finding eerie similarities between them when the girl's father fails to pick her up from school.

100%

This project got the green light!

First Time Caller

San Diego, California Film Short
Horror, Thriller

When Jansen finds a new hobby in an old ham radio, he tunes into a twisted game where the hunt is on and the listeners are part of the show.

81%

This project got the green light!

Going Out Swinging

Los Angeles, California Film Short
Drama

A boxing trainer’s journey to see his fighter succeed. He regrets a deal with organized crime betraying his fighter to save his own life.

80%

This project got the green light!

Murder Camp

Los Angeles, California Film Short
Comedy, Horror

When two serial killers show up on the same night to serial kill some camp counselors, they must confront their changing friendship.

108%

This project got the green light!

HAMLET

New York City, New York Theatre
Drama, Experimental

Daring to put impulse before perfection, eight actors embrace process by devising Hamlet in one week.

102%

This project got the green light!

VITRA’S STREAM PROOF OF CONCEPT

Chicago, Illinois Film Short
Family, Other

A grieving girl prays to see her Mom again. God answers her prayer, sparking spiritual warfare between the forces of good and evil.

81%

This project got the green light!

Sweet Rhythms

New York City, New York Film Short
Drama, Family

A Japanese father and American son run a candy stall at a food festival. They use a rhythmic cutting performance to attract customers.

83%

This project got the green light!

"The Bright Side of Life" or "How To Not Be Nervous"

Los Angeles, California Film Feature
Drama

Everybody always says to be yourself, but what do you do if you ain't no good?

86%

This project got the green light!

Sight Unseen

Sacramento, California Film Short
Thriller, Mystery

In the wake of one of her premonitions, a blind realtor puts herself in danger to prevent a fatal incident in a house she sells.

90%

This project got the green light!

Astray

Tempe, Arizona Film Short
Drama, Horror

While seeking to develop his magnum opus, a reclusive painter finds himself horribly inspired by the family tragedy that unfolds before him.

101%

This project got the green light!

Always in Bloom: Amara

Teaneck, New Jersey Film Feature
Drama, Musical

When Amara's medical concerns are dismissed, her family must take matters into their own hands to prevent a repeated tragedy.

85%

This project got the green light!

I Really Wish I Spoke Tagalog

Boulder, Colorado Film Short
Drama, Shorts Program

A Filipino-American man inarticulate in Tagalog goes home to care for his Lolo. He tries to learn Tagalog to connect with his culture..

132%

This project got the green light!

HOUSE OF KA - A supernatural horror / mystery

Ann Arbor, Michigan Film Feature
Horror, Mystery

A young Victorian aristocrat struggles to save her father from a mummy's curse.

100%

This project got the green light!

Four Nights and a Fire

Los Angeles, California Film Short
Drama, Experimental

An Ojibwe young man must keep a sacred fire burning to guide the spirit of his father to the afterlife.

110%

This project got the green light!

Gather the Suspects

Boulder, Colorado Radio & Podcasts
Comedy, Mystery

Gather The Suspects is a cozy mystery audio drama set in Wales during a very boring apocalypse.

103%

This project got the green light!

Blueberry Pancakes & Blank Pages

Austin, Texas Film Short
Comedy, Drama

A young scriptwriter makes her big break into Hollywood, but now faces the struggles of living up to up the expectations

80%

This project got the green light!

Daughter of Wands

Portland, Oregon Film Short
Drama, Shorts Program

At a skatepark in Oregon, 17-year-old Cass finds herself in need of the protection she so cruelly denied her sister, Ruby, earlier that day.

88%

This project got the green light!

MOONIE - The Web Series

New York City, New York Series
Comedy, LGBTQ

MOONIE is the sitcom about the little somethings, poking fun at the microaggressions of everyday life for a group of Black queer friends.

113%

This project got the green light!

Year 31

Los Angeles, California Series
Documentary, Experimental

12 avant-garde, short films using abstract imagery + movement to investigate the connection between hair, culture, gender + identity.

100%

This project got the green light!

Last Days of Summer

Indianapolis, Indiana Film Feature
Comedy, Drama

It was a neighborhood where nothing exciting ever happened... that is until Summer, the girl next door goes missing.

90%

This project got the green light!

Call for Cassie

Los Angeles, California Film Short
Drama

When her lover’s wife comes for a massage, a Chinese mother and masseuse Cassie battles between her conscience and her desires.

100%

This project got the green light!

Hammerjacks: The Rockumentary

Aldie, Virginia Film Feature
Documentary, Music

The implausible, unhinged history of the world-famous concert venue in Baltimore, MD.

135%

This project got the green light!

Lightweight

Los Angeles, California Theatre
Comedy, Drama

A complex young woman attempts to survive anorexia while maintaining a debilitatingly positive attitude in post 9/11 NYC.

100%

This project got the green light!

Where the Dog is Buried

Ann Arbor, Michigan Film Short
Comedy, Drama

After a man accidentally runs over a dog, he and his wife argue over hiding it from a violent neighbor and if they’re fit to raise a family.

104%

This project got the green light!

Dino Hart

Medford, Oregon Film Short
Drama, LGBTQ

As a local Don’t Say Gay bill passes, 12-year-old Dino is forced to confront a surprising truth about their long-lost father.

110%

This project got the green light!

Ana and Mia

Houston, Texas Film Feature
Drama, Horror

Two lonely girls form a strong bond and begin pushing each other into eating disorders, causing them to sink deeper into a delusional world.

80%

This project got the green light!

Henry's Kingdom

Los Angeles, California Film Short
Drama

Following their mother’s funeral, two estranged siblings reconnect in their childhood treehouse and discover she was keeping them apart.

81%

This project got the green light!

Beacon: the Feature Film

Boston, Massachusetts Film Feature
Documentary, Teen

Three Boston public school students, ranking far below their suburban peers, decide to apply to some of the best private boarding schools in

101%

This project got the green light!

Georgia

Nashville, Tennessee Film Short
Drama

Georgia is about a young couple who decide to go their separate ways after three years of dating, but they want to spend one last

100%

This project got the green light!

Family Affair

New York City, New York Film Short
Comedy, LGBTQ

A young adult's secret relationship puts him at odds with this family, friends, and other commitments

80%

This project got the green light!

NIGHT SHIFT

Portland, Oregon Film Short
Horror, Teen

A teenage waitress harnesses the power to bite back against misogyny in her conservative 1980s town.

87%

This project got the green light!

RISE

San Francisco, California Comics
Sci-Fi, War

A diverse squad of modern soldiers travel back in time to the Civil War & become entangled in covert efforts to defeat the Confederacy.

100%

This project got the green light!

Finding Your Laughter

Chicago, Illinois Film Feature
Comedy, Documentary

Using her skills as a comic & improv performer, Arlieta cares for her father, Milton, & learns to navigate Alzheimer's with humor & laughter

88%

This project got the green light!

Bury Your Fish

Portland, Oregon Film Short
Drama, Thriller

A woman desperate to rediscover her purpose in life takes guidance from a flashing light a few blocks away.

104%

This project got the green light!

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