Michelle Ragay

Filmmaker: Writer-Director, AD

Talent

Austin, Travis50 USD/hourMember since September 25, 2025

Hire their services

Request a quote with no obligation

producer assistant director filmmaker director

About

Michelle Ragay is a Filipino-American filmmaker and U.S. Air Force veteran whose work explores identity, belonging, and the surreal through bold, cross-cultural storytelling. Born in Germany and raised on a U.S.

Army base, she draws on a multicultural upbringing and a background in language and military intelligence to bring unique perspective to her films. As a director, Michelle has helmed music videos, documentaries, and short films in Austin and Berlin, blending striking visual style with deeply human themes.

She is a graduate of the Writers Guild Foundation Veterans Writing Project, where she developed her storytelling craft alongside fellow veterans, and the Austin Film Society’s Creative Careers program, which provided mentorship and industry training to expand her filmmaking practice. Her directing work builds on experience as an Assistant Director and producer on acclaimed shorts including Encore (Hofer Filmtage) and Das Cello (Tirana Film Fest). Based in Austin, she is passionate about pushing the city’s vibrant, offbeat film scene forward with daring and diverse stories.

Experience

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Aug 2025 - Present

Shop LC; Austin, TX USA - Studio Coordinator

Manages television studio during a live broadcast, including communication between on-screen hosts and the control room directors and producers.
Shoots high quality product videos for jewelry, clothing and lifestyle products utilizing studio recording equipment and cameras.

May 2024 - Aug 2024

AUSTIN NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER; Austin, TX USA - Camp Counselor

Collaborated with co-counselor and camp coordinator to create nature education-based curriculum for campers aged 10-11
Promoted a safe, enjoyable environment for youth while adhering to city rules and communicating openly and effectively with parents

June 2021- Aug 2022

CHUNK FILM PRODUCTION; Berlin, Germany - Production Assistant

Assisted in production of advertising commercials for brands like, Telekom , FC Köln, Ritter Sport, Cirque du Soleil and more.
Organized footage and prepared distribution plans for award-winning documentary Devils Drivers

March 2014-March 2020

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE; Maryland, USA - Pashto Language Analyst

Operated complex multi-million dollar equipment in support of international intelligence missions
Translated foreign language while maintaining message content