About

Michael Gray is a filmmaker, writer, and educator based in Olympia, Washington. He teaches film and media communication at South Puget Sound Community College, where he also develops original curriculum in screenwriting, sound, and cultural media.

His creative work spans narrative film, web series, sound art, and community-based documentary. He has written and directed everything from color-saturated short films (The Arachnafist) to surreal web series (Terry Tucker the Midnight Trucker, LJ’s Trip), music videos (Akron/Family’s “Silly Bears”, aired on MTV2), and hybrid satire (Cel-Wolf). His short film Turkey Breasts — co-created with longtime collaborator and disability advocate Thomas Webb — was screened at the ReelAbilities Disability Film Festival in St. Paul.

Michael also collaborates with nonprofits, artists, and advocacy groups. His documentary work includes Caroline (123K+ views) and Kira (40K+ views, featured on Upworthy), both created for disability rights campaigns. He has partnered with muralist Olivia Levins Holden, Chicano artist Jimmy Longoria, and youth organizations like Mentoring Peace Through Art to create films, train students, and document public art.

As an educator, Michael has taught at SPSCC, Ohio University, North Hennepin Community College, Georgian Court University, and the University of Essex (UK). His courses include 16mm and digital production, screenwriting, film studies, American literature, and the occasional deep dive on Roger Corman.

He holds an MFA in Filmmaking from Ohio University and a Ph.D. in American Literature and Film from the University of Essex, where he researched William Faulkner’s work as a Hollywood screenwriter.

Michael lives in Olympia and still finds time on Sundays to play old-school pen-and-paper RPGs with friends.