We all have a story to tell!
Life is short, make a film about it
Sharing Incredible Stories
Make It Happen Pictures, Inc. was founded in 2024 to share stories and create videos that highlight the trials, challenges, failures, and triumphs of real individuals. We believe that everyone has a unique story to tell. Throughout our extensive travels, we have listened to people from diverse backgrounds and parts of the world share their experiences. When one takes the time to listen, it becomes clear that life is not always easy; the decisions individuals make, whether good or bad, shape their lives.
Sometimes people get lucky, while at other times, life’s challenges can set them back. In those moments, simply navigating through life can feel like being a hero in one’s own story.
Life is short—create a film about it!
Current Work in Production
“The Forgotten” – A story about a retirement home of residents who have been all but forgotten by their families. Put in the home to wait to die. These residents are not dead yet! There’s comedy! There’s Drama! There’s Romance! You’ll Laugh… You’ll cry… You won’t forget! – “The Forgotten.”
Future Projects
SWING
A romantic comedy based on the experiences of a middle-aged man starting to date once again after over 20 years off the dating market. His therapist tells him he has done much of his “Work” and he is ready to find a compatible loving relationship. She warns him; however, a lot of things have changed… So, he is about to find out! But can one really find old fashioned love in today’s dating culture? A comedy of dating sites, first dates, emotional instability, prenuptial agreements? Threesomes? Red Flags? Attachment Styles? These are just some of the obstacles in pursing love in this new Romantic Comedy.
UNE VIE MOYENNE
A true story of a man coming from a childhood environment of poverty, drugs and extreme violence. He lived in government housing and worked in agricultural fields at age 10 to buy school clothes. He would later work his way through college and build a business to enter the top 1% of income and net worth in the world. The risks and path taken were not without sacrifice or failure of epic proportions, losing several people he loved along the way.
Want to learn more about our upcoming projects? Stay in touch by sending us a message.
The People Behind The Films
James Michaels
CEO/Executive Producer/Writer/Actor
James began his acting experience at University of Wisconsin, River Falls, where he attended from 1986-1990, graduating in May of 1990. While pursuing degrees in Business Administration and Economics, he also took classes in acting, voice and dance to fulfill elective and physical education requirements. He studied under the renowned opera singer Maria Jette. She asked James, “What is your major field of study and why are you here?” James replied, “Business and Economics, double major, and I’m here to have fun! Who knows maybe I’ll be the next Bob Hope.” Maria laughed at this and said, “Well let’s begin.”
Emily Sweeney
Executive Vice President
As Executive Vice President, Emily Sweeney oversees strategic operations and creative development across the company’s film projects. With a passion for storytelling, she guides projects from concept to completion, ensuring each production aligns with the company’s creative vision.
Emily graduated from the University of St. Thomas in 2019 with degrees in journalism, business and environmental science. After graduating she worked at Pocket Hercules, a Minnetonka-based creative agency, where she specialized in public relations and coordinated several national media campaigns.