Michael's academic journey began at the esteemed University of Michigan, where he delved into the realm of philosophy, cultivating a deep understanding of the subject matter. Simultaneously, he also pursued coursework in film theory, further refining his critical thinking skills and developing a nuanced appreciation for the art of storytelling. His academic endeavors continued at Eastern Michigan University, where he expanded his knowledge base and honed his expertise in various fields. The foundation established during his university years served as a springboard for his future pursuits in non-profit fundraising, allowing him to leverage his philosophical and theoretical knowledge to drive meaningful social change. Moreover, his studies in business-to-business sales equipped him with the practical skills necessary to excel in a competitive professional environment, positioning him for success in a wide range of industries.
Michael embarked on a journey to nurture his artistic inclinations, initially by serving as a model for print advertisements and collaborating with local photographers in the Detroit area, concurrently honing his skills as a movie background actor.
As his confidence grew, he progressed to taking on stand-in and featured extra roles, subsequently earning recognition within the independent horror genre after being prominently featured as a high-end client of the elite Hunt Club in the 2011 film Hostel: Part III.
Michael's pursuit of refined acting expertise led him to participate in a series of acting and improv workshops, where he meticulously honed his craft. Subsequently, his impressive range has been showcased in a multitude of award-winning and other shorts, as well as cable network TV, corporate training and promotional videos, TV and internet commercials, and several independent feature films.
His unique specialization lies in the realm of sinister, scary, and eccentric roles, a niche in which he has had the privilege of being a part of over three dozen productions. Through his dedication and perseverance, Michael has successfully transitioned from a background actor to a talented performer, consistently pushing the boundaries of his abilities.
Beyond his illustrious acting career, Michael has expanded his creative horizons by delving into the realm of photography, where he has successfully explored various projects, showcasing his artistic talents outside of the spotlight.
His photography work has been proudly displayed at the renowned Damned Exhibition in Detroit, garnering recognition and admiration from art enthusiasts and critics alike.
Moreover, his photographs have been published online and in reputable newspapers, solidifying his position as a talented photographer in his own right.
Furthermore, his work has also been featured in a publication by the esteemed US Fish and Wildlife Service, highlighting his ability to capture the beauty and majesty of the natural world through his lens.
In addition, his photographs have been commissioned by celebrities for their social media profile pictures, a testament to his skill and versatility as a photographer, as well as his ability to transcend genres and appeal to a wide range of audiences.
In summary, Michael's photography endeavors have not only demonstrated his artistic range and talent but have also garnered recognition and admiration from various sectors, cementing his position as a multi-faceted creative force.
Michael's fascination with the art of writing for the silver screen was ignited when he was approached to craft an article about the chilling world of horror films for the esteemed publication, Michigan Movie Magazine, in the year 2011. This opportunity not only showcased his extensive knowledge of film and theory, which had been a lifelong pursuit, but also marked the beginning of a new creative journey for him. With his rich background in artistic expression, Michael added screenwriting to his repertoire of skills, and the result of his cinematic exploration was the script for the feature film "The Russian Sleep Experiment", which served as the inaugural project in his burgeoning career as a screenwriter.
Michael's cinematic journey has been marked by a steady progression, as he has collaborated on the production of a mockumentary short film, aptly titled "Behind the Scenes of Horrorcore Hotel", which premiered in 2014. This project showcased his growing expertise in the realm of filmmaking. Additionally, Michael has also been involved in the creation of a music video for the punk rock band Dead in 5, featuring the talented Don Campbell, who just so happens to be the brother of the renowned Bruce Campbell. As his career continues to unfold, Michael has an array of exciting projects in various stages of development, hinting at a bright and promising future in the world of filmmaking.
