Born in Odessa, Ukraine, Michael Shlain is a writer-director based in Los Angeles. Trained as an actor and improviser, Shlain began his career as a literary agent before returning to his roots as a filmmaker. In 2011, he co-founded Butcher Bird Studios, an award-winning production company where he directed commercials, short-form and branded content for clients including Amazon, AeroVironment, Merck, BBC America, and Nat Geo. Shlain’s short film, IN A FOREIGN TOWN (based on the works of acclaimed horror author Thomas Ligotti) was invited to the Cannes Drama Creative Forum and screened at festivals internationally including BIFFF, Aesthetica, Final Frame and L'Etrange Festival. The film was written up by Fangoria, Rue Morgue, Horrorbuzz and Raindance and can currently be seen on Gunpowder & Sky’s online horror platform, Alter.