Capturing 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.
Make it Happen Pictures, Inc. is working to produce films and videos in the genres of Documentary, Romance, Romantic Comedy, Drama, and Dramatic Comedy.
We will not use AI to tell our real-life stories; only the names of individuals will be changed when necessary to protect their privacy. The stories will be based on true events, although artistic license may be applied appropriately. In life, we laugh, we cry, and we experience a wide range of emotions. Why not share those moments together? That is what makes us human.
Life is short—create a film about it!
Meet the Team
James Michaels
CEO/Executive Producer/Writer/Actor
James Michaels began his performing arts journey while earning dual degrees in Business Administration and Economics at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. Between finance classes, he also studied acting, dance and voice under renowned opera singer Maria Jette, who challenged his creative ambitions early on. When asked why he was in her class, James replied, “I’m here to have fun! Who knows—maybe I’ll be the next Bob Hope.”
While at university, he took on stage and film roles and made an early entrepreneurial move by investing student loan funds into the film company behind Big (starring Tom Hanks), which doubled his investment. That success led him to London, where he pursued acting and became a popular bartender-entertainer, known for his charisma, accents, and live performances. One bar manager affectionately dubbed him “The Bruce Willis of Minneapolis.”
After graduating, James wrote his first screenplay, Tuxedo Junction, and won two regional singing contests, including one at a renowned Minneapolis nightclub.
In 2005, he founded his own financial firm, eventually growing its assets under management from $100 million to nearly $1 billion before selling his stake in 2020.
Today, James has returned to his creative roots producing, writing, and acting in independent films as passion projects come to life.
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, Minnesota based creative agency, where she specialized in public relations and coordinated several national media campaigns.
Emily enjoys building meaningful industry connections and thrives on creating work that reflects human milestones, obstacles and moments of self-discovery. She interacts with the world through curiosity, empathy, and a drive to spark conversation.