In late 2016 I was burned out on the kinds of directing jobs I was getting, so I took a year off from directing for pay. I continued to work but only on projects where I could work for free. In that year I made a proof of concept with UCB Los Angeles, shot the Throwing Shade tour doc, directed a sizzle reel for a Comedy Central project, and made this short film with the brilliant Scout Durwood. Working in the horror genre was completely new for me and I LOVED it. On pure aesthetics this is the piece I’m most proud of from my volunteer period.
Category Archives: Shorts/Web
Short Film – Objects
Another Hot Yoga Teacher Video
I’ve been taking Brent’s yoga class for a while and I’m always blown away by the kind of strength and flexibility he has. So Alex Vendler and I teamed up again and shot this little video with Brent. Be prepared at some point while this plays to have an out loud moment, cuz he can do some crazy shit and you’ll be like “WHAT!”
short doc – Audio Specialist
Short Doc – Audio Specialist from Michael Blieden on Vimeo.
It’s Cold
Mistaken For Strangers, The Play
This short video that I directed has gone live today on Funny Or Die. This was my first collaboration with Matt Berninger, Tom Berninger, and Carin Besser. Phenomenally funny people. If you haven’t seen their documentary, Mistaken For Strangers, I highly recommend it.
Shot on my Epic with my new Leicas, mostly the 24mm.
Crew:
DP, Alex Vendler
Gaffer, David Klassen
Sound, Daniel Powell
1st AC, Miao Chen
Makeup, Adriana Bena,

My Hot Yoga Teacher Video
It’s finally done! Thanks to all of Alex’s friends who helped out on graphics, sound, makeup, wardrobe. Thanks to Birns and Sawyer for giving me a deal on the lighting package. Most importantly, take yoga from Alex! I had spine surgery 2 years ago and instead of going to physical therapy I went to her class. It made me stronger, more pliable, and sometimes in class I felt like I was having a direct conversation with my injury, negotiating with it, coaxing it into cooperating again. Her website is here.