Born and raised in Michigan, Shane Hillier has had a lifelong passion for film. His journey began on stage as a child actor in local theater productions, eventually sparking an interest in the creative process behind the camera. During his teenage years, Shane began exploring photography and video editing, producing a series of skateboard films with friends that sharpened his visual storytelling skills and ignited a deep interest in narrative filmmaking.
Shane pursued formal education at the Motion Picture Institute in Troy, Michigan, where he wrote and directed three short films: Absolutely No Hunting, If These Walls Could Talk, and Yellow Bellied Rat. Upon graduation, he embarked on his next project, If These Walls Could Walk, which had a successful run on the festival circuit. The film garnered multiple awards, including Best Film, Best Thriller, Best Production Design, and Best Editing across various festivals.
His most recent project, Everhand, continued that momentum—winning both Best Film and Best Director at the 2025 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, a testament to Shane's dedication to inclusive storytelling and impactful filmmaking.
Today, Shane continues to grow as a filmmaker, working across a range of formats including narrative films and music videos. He remains an active contributor to the Detroit film community, bringing his creative vision and technical expertise to both independent projects and professional productions.