Michael’s first short film, Noir, starred filmmaker and playwright David Mamet and members of The Atlantic Theater. Michael has since directed the short films Love of My Life (1999, 35 mm), which was awarded the James Goldstone Award for Best Vermont Film at the 2000 Vermont International Film Festival, Burgundy (2001, 35 mm), which was screened at the 2002 Slamdunk Film Festival, and Falls (2003, Super 16), which was screened at the 2004 Slamdance, Moondance, and IFP Central Standard Film Festivals, and A Cry for Help (2004, HD), which was screened at the 2005 Lost Angeles International Short Film Festival. Graduated with honors from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.