Michael Chaves

Born on November 3, 1984, Michael Chaves is an American filmmaker and visual effects artist. He began his career directing short films and a web series before transitioning to feature-length horror films. His early work included directing more than ten short films, music videos, and commercials. In 2016, his short film “The Maiden” received the Best Super Short Horror Film Award at Shriekfest, an independent horror film festival. He also created and directed all eleven episodes of the web series “Chase Champion” in 2015.

Chaves is recognized for his contributions to The Conjuring Universe. He directed “The Curse of La Llorona” in 2019, which achieved a net profit of approximately $46 million from a $9 million production cost. This success led to his involvement in subsequent films in the acclaimed horror franchise. He went on to direct “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” (2021) and “The Nun II” (2023). He is also attached to direct “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” scheduled for release in 2025. These projects have established his presence in the horror genre.

His filmography also includes directing the music video for Billie Eilish’s song “Bury a Friend” in 2019. In addition to directing, Chaves has worked as a writer, editor, and visual effects artist on various projects. He contributed visual effects to the TV series “The Guild” in 2010 and the short film “Massacre Lake” in 2014. Chaves is also set to direct “The Reckoning,” another horror film, under Platinum Dunes, produced by Michael Bay, Bradley Fuller, and Andrew Form, based on a script by Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan.