Max Gallen Lands O'Shaughnessy Fellowship for Genre-Bending Short

The film follows a group of friends navigating a series of impossible events, involving twisted encounters with historical figures and pop culture icons. To achieve this, Gallen plans to use motion capture technology, refining the digital likenesses around the original human performances. This approach aims to demonstrate how visual effects can expand a filmmaker's creative scope rather than replace the performer. Over the next year, Gallen will oversee the production from writing through to marketing, using the project as a benchmark for his future creative output.

Gallen brings over a decade of experience to the project, having previously co-founded KAǏMAX Digital and accumulated over 45 million views across social media platforms. His academic track record at Emerson College includes multiple EVVY Award nominations and wins for his previous shorts, including 2024’s Mariah Ruins Christmas. Jim O'Shaughnessy, founder and CEO of the investment firm, noted that the fellowship was awarded because Gallen views artificial intelligence as a directed tool rather than a replacement for human intent. The O'Shaughnessy Fellowships program, launched in 2023, provides up to $100,000 in grants to support creators, with Gallen serving as the seventeenth recipient named in 2026.