Born in Rapid City, South Dakota, but raised in the San Fernando Valley by film buff parents, Michael gorged himself on the great, and not so great, American films of the late 60s and 70s. At the age of 18 he worked as a photographer at a casino in Lake Tahoe and played poker professionally while attended community college. A film class exposed him to the classics of the silent era and inspired him to begin making short films. But it was seeing "Apocalypse Now" that changed his life and inspired him to follow in Francis Ford Coppola's footsteps and enroll in UCLA Film School. Three years later he had completed several award winning shorts including the 16mm "Nightwatch" which won a Silver Plaque at the Chicago Film Festival.As a feature director, Michael is known for his detailed work with actors and strong visual storytelling. All three features that he's directed premiered at The Sundance Film Festival and won numerous awards from festivals around the world. Collectively, Michael's feature projects have generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues.While features will always remain his first love, Michael is also passionate about television where he is a prolific writer/producer/director having sold a steady stream of one hour drama pilots to all the major networks and directed one that he wrote.Feature TitlesQuentin Tarantino Presents - Hell Ride- In 2008 Michael produced this update of the 60s biker genre (with Academy Award winner Tarantino) that debuted at Sundance. It stars, Academy Award nominee, Denis Hopper, Michael Madsen, and Vinnie Jones. It was released by Dimension.The Cave - Sci-Fi Horror Thriller that Michael conceived and co-wrote was produced by, Academy Award winner, Tom Rosenberg, Andrew Mason (The Matrix trilogy) and Gary Luchesi. It was wide released by Sony/Screen Gems in 2005 and has made over 70 million in revenues to date.There's Something About Mary - smash that Michael produced. It was directed by The Farrelly Brothers and stars Cameron Diaz, Ben Stiller, and Matt Dillon. Michael was nominated for a Golden Globe along with The Farrelly Brothers. The film won four MTV Awards including one for Michael as a producer for "Best Movie." Listed at #27 on "AFI's Top 100 Comedies of All Time." Released by Twentieth Century Fox and has made over 600 million in revenues worldwide to date.Wicked - feature Michael directed. It debuted at Sundance and was released by Sony/Screen Gems in 2001. The dark comedy thriller won his discovery, Julia Stiles, a "Best Actress" award at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival where Michael was also nominated for a Crystal Globe in the Main Competition.Bodies, Rest & Motion - directed by Michael, debuted in competition at Sundance. The film stars Bridget Fonda, Eric Stoltz, and, Academy Award nominee, Tim Roth. Selected for the Un Certain Regard section at The Cannes Film Festival. It went on to win many awards around the world. Released by Fine Line to glowing reviews and appeared on several critics "Top 10 Films of Year" lists. Today, the movie has become a touchstone of the Gen-X, indie genre and plays at revival art houses. It was selected by the prestigious Criterion label to debut on its "Director's Signature" series of classic films.The Waterdance - Michael's professional directing debut that stars Eric Stoltz, Wesley Snipes, and Academy Award winner Helen Hunt. It premiered at Sundance in competition and won the "Audience Award." Michael won the I.F.P. Spirit Award for "Best First Feature" as a director. In addition, the film garnered two I.F.P. nominations for "Best Supporting Actor" for both William Forsyth and Wesley Snipes. After winning many other awards around the world, it was released by Goldwyn to stellar reviews. The film is included in the book, "The Best 1,000 Films of All Time," published by the New York Times.Sleep With Me - edgy romantic comedy that Michael co-wrote and produced. It stars Academy Award nominee Meg Tilly, Eric Stoltz, Craig Sheffer, Parker Posey, and Quentin Tarantino. Selected as an "Opening Night Gala Premiere" for the Toronto Film Festival. Premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival. Released by MGM in 1995.TelevisionIn television, Michael has sold a steady stream of 10 pilots over the last ten years to all the major networks. He's worked with top production companies on these project, including DreamWorks, Original Films, Brillstein-Grey, Disney, Warner Bros., Fox TV, Sony, Paramount, and more.The Caseys - pilot he wrote, directed, and produced for Fox Television was picked by "Entertainment Weekly" as one of the best five pilots of the year. It starred Clancy Brown and was screened by Steven Spielberg who signed Michael to a "blind" development deal. Show less «