Michael's inaugural foray into short filmmaking as a producer yielded a prestigious Student Academy Award, a testament to his burgeoning talent. Fresh out of Northwestern University, Michael's short film caught the attention of the esteemed Cannes Film Festival, showcasing his work on the global stage.
As a development and production executive, Michael worked on a plethora of feature films, collaborating with renowned directors and talent. His credits include Curtis Hanson's "Bad Influence", Emilio Estevez's "Men at Work", and Jean-Claude Van Damme's "Double Impact".
During the late 1980s and 1990s, Michael produced over 50 independent feature films, often through companies he founded. His innovative approach to micro-budget filmmaking resulted in critically acclaimed movies, including "The Invisibles" at Sundance, and various international festival recognitions, including a Spirit Award nomination for "Charlotte Sometimes".
Michael's extensive experience extends to directing and producing hundreds of short films for international advocacy organizations, such as UNICEF, RESCUE, and the European Union. His work takes him to disaster-stricken areas and conflict zones worldwide, utilizing film as a powerful tool for social change.
In addition to his advocacy work, Michael focuses on directing promotional content for social entrepreneurs and planet-friendly products. His recent feature film producing credits include "Passenger C" directed by Cassian Elwes, "Eurotrash", "Lost Angeles", and "Bride of the Dead".