Writer-director Michael Pearce was born and raised in Jersey, and studied Film Directing at the Arts Institute at Bournemouth and the National Film & Television School, where his graduation film, Madrugada, won Best Short at The Royal Television Society Awards. His next short film, Rite, was nominated at the 2011 BAFTAs and BIFAs, and his 2013 short Keeping Up with the Joneses was nominated at the 2014 BAFTAs and BIFAs. In 2013 Michael was selected to be part of Channel 4’s Coming Up scheme, through which he made Henry, his debut TV drama. His debut feature, Beast, starring Jessie Buckley and Johnny Flynn, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and is in theaters through Roadside Attractions from May 11.
