Biography
Michelle Deniesse Lugo is a sound designer and producer, voice artist, actress, audiovisual producer, and content creator. Born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, and now based in the United States, she has built a solid trajectory in the independent audiovisual field and has established herself as one of the most innovative and recognized voices of the new generation of Latin creators.
Graduating with honors in Sound Design and Production for Audiovisuals, and later specializing in Sound Art at the University of Barcelona, Michelle is also a voting member of the Audio Engineering Society-the Technical GRAMMY® Award-winning global community of audio professionals-and Women In Film Los Angeles. Her multidisciplinary profile has allowed her to thrive both behind and in front of the camera, seamlessly blending artistic sensitivity with technical excellence.
As co-founder of Shanelle Productions, Michelle has developed original projects that have captivated global audiences, reaching millions of views and earning multiple international awards. Her two original series-Again The Series (Tú Otra Vez) and Elixir: After Time-have become benchmarks in LGBTQ+ storytelling and Latin audiovisual production abroad.
Again The Series (Tú Otra Vez), the first Asian-style GL web drama produced in Latin American Spanish and filmed in New York City, has surpassed 5.8 million views on YouTube and has won awards such as Best Web Series at the Shunyatam International Film Festival (India, 2024), Best LGBTQ+ Narrative at the Elegant International Film Festival (India, 2025), and Best Web Series at the Cult Movies International Film Festival (UK, 2025), alongside official selections at festivals in the United States, Canada, and Italy.
Meanwhile, Elixir: After Time, a mystical mystery series filmed entirely in Tennessee, has garnered over 4.3 million views and international recognition including Best Web Series Pilot at the Global Visionaries Film Festival (Singapore, 2025), Best TV Pilot/Web Series at the Kraken International Film Festival (Italy, 2025), Best Episodic Television at the Bangkok Movie Awards (Thailand, 2024), Best LGBTQ at the California Indies Festival (2025), and Best Short Series at the Cult Movies International Film Festival (UK, 2025). Michelle was also honored as Best Female Filmmaker at The Mermaid Film Festival (Italy, 2025), and nominated for Best Female Director at the New York Shorts Awards (2025) and Best TV Series-Web-Pilot at the New York Independent Awards (2025).
Beyond her work as a creator, Michelle has left a significant mark on independent Hollywood cinema, contributing her sound expertise to award-winning feature films and shorts. Highlights include In Transit (dir. Jaclyn Bethany), officially selected at the Edinburgh International Film Festival 2025 and the Deauville American Film Festival 2025; Ruby, a short that premiered at the Oscar®-qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival, won the Audience Award at the New Orleans Film Festival, and became Oscar®-eligible in 2026; and Before The World Set On Fire, an acclaimed feature also by Bethany, which premiered at the New Orleans Film Festival, was acquired by Gravitas Ventures, and is now streaming on Apple TV, Amazon, Tubi, Sling TV, Plex, Fandango, and Google Play.
Her portfolio also includes Deployed (Cinema Femme Film Festival, Chicago); The Falling World, nominated for Best Sound Design at the FilmHaus Festival in Berlin and screened at Cinequest, Downtown Los Angeles Film Festival, NOT Film Festival (Italy, where it won Best Ensemble), and Defy Film Festival (Nashville, Best Feature); and Highway One, which premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, followed by theatrical releases in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and London, plus screenings at the Vail Film Festival and the Evolution Mallorca Film Festival.
Michelle has also contributed to shorts with international acclaim such as Angélica (dir. Víctor Velasco), selected at the LA Shorts International Film Festival (Oscar® qualifier), the New York Latino Film Festival, and the Paraguay International Film Festival; Superestar (dir. Daniel Larios), presented at the Bentonville Film Festival, Hola México Film Festival, and the Philadelphia Latino Film Festival (winner of the LOLA Award); and Memorama, distinguished at the ÍCARO Film Festival and other Latin American festivals.
In addition to her film and series work, Michelle has been recognized for her digital influence, receiving two YouTube Silver Creator Awards (2020 and 2025) and building a community of over 300,000 social media followers.
With more than 20 million global views, over a dozen international awards, and a filmography showcased at Oscar®-qualifying festivals, Michelle continues to expand her creative voice and proudly represent the Venezuelan diaspora in the audiovisual world, paving the way for future generations of Latin creators on the international stage.
