Personal details
- Birth Date: 1976-02-19
- Birth Location: Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Professions: Director, Writer, Producer
Brian Herzlinger, born February 19, 1976, in Brooklyn—yeah, that Brooklyn—has been doing his thing behind the camera for a while now. He kicked things off with “My Date with Drew” back in 2004, and honestly, what a wild ride. That movie? Pure indie magic. Imagine chasing down your childhood crush, Drew Barrymore, with nothing but a cheap camera, a big dream, and a $1,100 budget. The dude pulled it off, too. People still talk about it like it’s the underdog story of the early 2000s. But Herzlinger isn’t some one-hit wonder. Fast forward a bit, and he’s got “High Holiday” under his belt. That film, released in 2021, leans into the whole dysfunctional family-meets-weed-comedy vibe. The cast brings together a bunch of familiar faces, and the story? Complete chaos, in the best way. It’s the kind of movie you throw on when you just wanna laugh at family drama that, let’s face it, is probably a little too relatable. Then there’s “Once Upon a Christmas Wish,” rolling out in 2024. This one swings in a totally different direction—a sweet, feel-good holiday flick. If you’re into those warm, fuzzy Christmas movies where people learn about love, forgiveness, and miracles, this is your jam. Herzlinger’s got a knack for mixing heart, humor, and just a little bit of mischief in his films. Not bad for a kid from Brooklyn, right? The guy knows how to keep things fresh, that’s for sure.
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, wow, that film basically cracked open the whole idea that it’s okay to just believe in something wild and impossible—like a weird little alien with a glowing finger who just wants to phone home. For me, that movie isn’t just about a lost alien and a lonely kid; it’s about holding onto your sense of wonder, even when you’re an adult. Honestly, if I didn’t have that ability to believe in the impossible—or at least pretend to—I probably never would’ve survived in filmmaking. The story hits you right in the feels, too, because it’s not just about outer space and crazy government chases. It’s about finding a connection, feeling like you belong somewhere, even if you’re the odd one out. E.T. made it okay for us to admit we want to believe in magic, in friendship, in something bigger than ourselves. That’s what keeps people coming back, generation after generation.
February 19, 1976
Konidela Ram Charan
Brooklyn, New York, USA
49 years old