Welcome to my portfolio.
I just graduated from UCLA this spring 2024! Go Bruins!
I am actively seeking internships with studios or production companies working on the development side or physical production. I am passionate about films and am eager to expand my knowledge in the world of filmed entertainment.
Password area includes links to script coverage & notes, pitch decks, sizzle reels, and more. Email maxgmuench[at]gmail[dot]com for access.
About me
I was born and raised in Los Angeles by an American mom and a German dad, which makes me a dual citizen, holding both U.S. and German passports.
I’ve been passionate about films since I was a little kid. My favorite film as a child was Cars (2006). One of my favorite films today is Baby Driver (2017).
I have an active Letterboxd account where I track the films I’ve seen.
I have filmed many shorts on my own starting at eleven when I enlisted my younger brother Julian Grey and my two sisters to act in my student films. One of my short films, Theo & Ruby was accepted into NFFTY in Seattle. I attended the festival and spoke about my film to an audience . Another one of my student short films, Kill Jill was accepted into Hollywood based Dances With Films, kids edition and screened at the Chinese Theater on Hollywood Blvd. At twelve, I attended Relativity Media’s Summer camp on filmmaking.
I have had many opportunities to be on sets. While on the Downhill (2020) film set in Vienna, Austria, I spoke with Will Ferrell (nicest guy ever) for a while about the art of lighting and more. I intend to work in the Entertainment Industry and am considering pursuing, in the not too distant future, either a Masters in Screenwriting or Applying to Law School.
Education
UCLA, B.A. in Philosophy, Minor in Film, TV & Digital Media, 2024 – GPA 3.64
For the UCLA film minor, I completed courses in Screenwriting, Global Film & TV Development, Film Producing, The Film Industry, and Film Marketing, Distribution & Exhibition.
UCLA Club: Bruin AI – Videographer and Video Editor.
UCLA, Film Production Summer Intensive, Professional Certificate, 2022
In the Film Production summer intensive (a 300-hour Certificate program at UCLA), I developed, pitched, cast, filmed, and edited short films with a team of fifteen. I was accepted into the program after submitting a story idea and personal statement. Chosen as the cinematographer by UCLA Film faculty for our final short film, I designed a floor plan for lighting setups and filmed the short on a sound stage using Arri cameras with HMI and LED lights.
College of the Canyons, A.A. Filmmaking, and A.A. Liberal Arts Humanities, 2022
In the filmmaking program at College of the Canyons, I took classes in audio production and editing, journalism, screenwriting, filmmaking, and photography.
Experience
Quick Overview of Experience. Please see Linked In for more.
UCLA
BruinCast 2023-2024
Filming & Editing Assistant
- Filmed Class Lectures
- Edited Audio & Video of Lectures.
- Uploaded to the backend of system for UCLA students to access.
Just Like You Films (2022)
Intern
- Set PA / Assistant to Director
- Light setup assistant
- Set Photographer
Specto Design
2019-2023
Video Production Assistant
- Assist in photography shoots and small video productions, including lighting setup and camera operation.
- Edit Meta Ad Videos
Software & Platforms
Software: Adobe Premiere Pro, Audacity, Bandicut, Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Google Suite
Operating Systems: Windows & Mac Platforms.
Social Media Platforms: Instagram & TikTok
Camera & Equipment: Arri Alexa Camera, Blackmagic Camera, Canon 5D Mark IV Still Camera, Boom Mic, HMI Lights, LED Lights.
Soft Skills
Easily integrate with teams. Strong interpersonal skills. Experience with in-person team interaction. Excellent conflict resolution skills. Great at motivating people. Positive, upbeat attitude. Strong initiative. Solid verbal and written communication skills. Critical thinker.
Hobbies & Travel
Hobbies: Skiing. Driving. Gaming, Listening to music,
Watching films in the theater.
Countries visited: Austria, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Sweden