Michael J. Gallagher

Michael J. Gallagher is an American filmmaker. Born and raised in San Diego, California, Gallagher got his start by creating the popular sketch comedy YouTube channel TotallySketch and co-founding Maker Studios. He directed and wrote The Leader about the Heaven's Gate Cult, starring Academy Award Nominee Vera Farmiga, Tim Blake Nelson, and Golden Globe Winner Jim Parsons, which premiered at the 2026 Tribeca Festival and the 2026 Fantasia International Film Festival to positive reviews.