MICKY IS MAKING A DOCUMENTARY

Hey friends, it’s me, Micky. I’m a Jersey native who decided at 59 to start life all over again — and now I’m making a documentary about it. It’s about joy, laughter, and learning to live out loud… with maybe a few tears along the way (but don’t worry, I promise a good party).

Making a documentary takes more than my charm and dad jokes — it takes support. I had a financial curveball recently (20 grand gone, poof), but I’m not stopping. This film is happening. That’s where you come in: every dollar, every share, every little bit helps. Think of it as buying a ticket to the best show of my life — and you get to help write it.

So join me — let’s laugh, cry, and make some movie magic together.

WHY I’M MAKING THIS FILM
I’m creating a documentary about my life (with a creative team): a trans man finding humor, peace, and purpose after decades of hiding. It’s about still choosing joy. Because at the end of the day, if we can’t laugh...what’s the point? Humor builds bridges. My hope is that The Man I Was Born To Be helps people see the trans community with more humanity, laughter, and dignity. And beyond gender or identity, it’s a story for anyone who’s ever felt different, unloved, or like they had to start from scratch.

WHERE YOUR SUPPORT GOES
Your contributions will help fund:

• CAMERA & CREW – the folks who make me look good (or at least keep me in focus).
• SOUND EDITING – because no one wants to hear me crack jokes with bad audio.
• LOCATIONS & PRODUCTION – filming the places that shaped my journey, from Jersey streets to courtrooms to grocery aisles.
• POST PRODUCTION – stitching it all together with dignity and heart.
• COMMUNITY OUTREACH – podcasts, panels, and events where I’ve been showing up to share my journey and spark conversations.

EVERY DOLLAR gets us closer to amplifying this story in a way that honors both my journey -- and the New Jersey community I’m proud to be part of.

WHAT HAPPENED (AND WHY I’M ASKING)
In December 2024, I signed a contract with HEATHER HALE PRODUCTION and I  paid $20,000 to a screenwriter who promised the world — and delivered nothing.  I sold what I could, drained my accounts, and believed with my whole heart… only to be left holding an empty bag.

Heather insisted I pay her monthly installments into her PERSONAL account. Heather would not allow me to write a check to HEATHER HALE PRODUCTION.  Hmmmm i wonder why? Once I finished paying her in June she went from a sweet southern bell to the wicked witch of the west. She cursed at me, hung up the phone, refused to talk to me via phone or zoom meetings. Blocked me on social media. Muted me during zoom meetings. I had to find a mediator to get Heather to even have a zoom meeting with me. She did finally give me a partial script to read which was a disaster. I had 6 professional screenwriters , a few who know Heather Hale personally (but we never disclosed it was her script) they ALL thought it was horrible. Not written according to the "Screenwriters Bible" they couldn't even make it to the end it was so horrible. So in my opinion I was scammed out of my life savings. I paid Heather Hale the $20,000 required by our contract and she did not do the deliverables and give me a well written script. 

But here’s the thing: I’m still standing. I’m still laughing. And now, I’m building this project with a new creative team — people who believe in elevating this story with dignity, humor, and heart.

(and yes...all the paperwork is IN PLACE to get us going to the next stages -- with GREAT NEW FOLKS!!!)

YOUR SUPPORT MEANS THE WORLD
Anything you can offer — big or small — is amazing. This project is about joy, resilience, and community, and I want you to feel part of it. Along the way I’ll be sharing updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and maybe even a few bloopers (because, well...I’m Micky).

Together, we can make The Man I Was Born To Be a reality — and share it with the world.

Thank you!!! 

Micky Angelo Petrillo

Fort Lee, NJ