Hi, I'm Michael Hegner, an animation director, showrunner, and writer with more than three decades of experience shaping animated features, TV series, and commercials. I've had the privilege of collaborating with major studios like Disney, Lucasfilm, and LEGO, and I'm known for creating emotionally resonant content while steering complex international productions. Beyond directing and writing, I love building creative teams, developing original IPs, and guiding projects from concept to screen. I thrive on mentoring artists, turning bold ideas into compelling visuals, and delivering stories that connect with audiences worldwide.

Michael Hegner

Hi, I'm Michael Hegner, an animation director, showrunner, and writer with more than three decades of experience shaping animated features, TV series, and commercials. I've had the privilege of collaborating with major studios like Disney, Lucasfilm, and LEGO, and I'm known for creating emotionally resonant content while steering complex international productions. Beyond directing and writing, I love building creative teams, developing original IPs, and guiding projects from concept to screen. I thrive on mentoring artists, turning bold ideas into compelling visuals, and delivering stories that connect with audiences worldwide.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Michael Hegner, an animation director, showrunner, and writer with more than three decades of experience shaping animated features, TV series, and commercials. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with major studios like Disney, Lucasfilm, and LEGO, and I’m known for creating emotionally resonant content while steering complex international productions.

Beyond directing and writing, I love building creative teams, developing original IPs, and guiding projects from concept to screen. I thrive on mentoring artists, turning bold ideas into compelling visuals, and delivering stories that connect with audiences worldwide.

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Work Experience

Film Consultant at Open Workshop
February 1, 2024 - Present
Providing creative leadership and consulting for film projects; advising on storytelling, IP development, and international co-productions; leading strategy sessions with partners and studios.
Founder & Creative Director at By Hand and Heart
January 1, 2008 - Present
Focusing on creating, writing, and directing animated feature films and TV series; developing original IPs and consulting on international productions.
Director at Jelly T (Gummi T)
December 31, 2012 - October 21, 2025
Directed international co-production with GDC China; Robert Award nomination for Best Children's Film.
Director at Niko & The Way to The Stars
December 31, 2008 - October 21, 2025
Directed film with European awards nominations including European Film Awards for Best Animated Feature; multiple festival honors.
Director at The Ugly Duckling and Me!
December 31, 2006 - October 21, 2025
Directed; Robert Award nomination; Cartoon Movie Tribute Best Director of European Feature Animation.
Director at Help! I'm a Fish
December 31, 2000 - October 21, 2025
Directed; First Prize at Chicago International Children's Film Festival; German Film Awards nomination for Outstanding Children's Film; Robert Award nomination for Best Director.
Creator, Head Writer, Director at Team Nuggets Season 2
January 1, 2024 - Present
Creator, head writer and director for a 52x7 min series for DR Ramajang / Canal+.
Creator, Head Writer, Director at Team Nuggets Season 1
December 31, 2023 - October 21, 2025
Creator, head writer and director for a 52x7 min series for DR Ramajang / Canal+.
Supervising Director at LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures
December 31, 2017 - October 21, 2025
Supervising Director for LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures; two seasons, 13x22 min episodes; 4 Emmy nominations including Best Children's Animated Program.
Director at LEGO Star Wars Series
December 31, 2014 - October 21, 2025
Director for The Droid Tales, The Quest for the Holocron, The Yoda Chronicles; multiple TV specials totaling 10x22 min episodes.
Conceptualizing Director at LEGO Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu
December 31, 2011 - October 21, 2025
Conceptualizing Director; directed first 4x11 min episodes.
Director at Subway Surfers Shorts
December 31, 2019 - October 21, 2025
Directed 11 shorts; developed universe, style, and characters from game to TV series.
Director at Commercial Direction
December 31, 1998 - October 21, 2025
Directed and produced 100+ commercials for international clients; developed campaigns; responsible for budget and creative direction. Notable clients include Tuborg, LEGO; Grand Global Award for Health Care Communications (1997).
Animation Supervisor at A. Film
December 31, 1994 - October 21, 2025
Animation supervisor for Felidae (1994); early career on international productions including Amazonas Jack and The Princess and the Goblin.
Head of Commercial Department at A. Film
December 31, 1998 - October 21, 2025
Founded and led A. Film's Commercial Department (1992-1998).

Education

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Qualifications

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Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment