Michael is an award winning director, writer, & photographer born in Los Angeles, CA. Growing up in his family owned bookstore, once a mecca for the creative minds of Los Angeles, he crossed paths with the likes of Ray Bradbury, James Ellroy, Richard Prince, Sonic Youth, & Henry Rollins on a daily basis; creating a wild combination of creative influences. Throughout his youth he split his time between writing, painting, filming, and surfing.
Michael’s poetic vision for Jonathan Wilson’s Natural Rhapsody captured the world’s attention when it was selected for the 2008 Cannes International Film Festival & the Venice International Film Festival. He continued to push his aesthetic with a one shot music video lit by a single candle for Juliette Commagere’s Nature of Things; written up by both MTV and Spinner. His music video trilogy for local LA band backed by Shepard Fairey, Shadow Shadow Shade, starring Jason Ritter played SXSW Film Festival and was voted 6th best music video of 2010 and was a nominated for video of the year by Antville.
Combining his love of writing and film he turned to commercials where he worked with TBWA\CHIAT\DAY on branding and ideation. He was asked to create an advertising campaign for Quiksilver celebrating the most dominant surfer in history, Kelly Slater, for his unprecedented 10th world title victory. He’s worked for clients: Sony, Toyota, Visa, Maille, Free People, Paige Jeans, LA Zoo, Trailer Park, Lanvin Paris, All Saints, Pac Sun, Estee Lauder, and For Love & Lemons.
To create his vision Michael works closely with all departments, having a hand in everything chosen on screen. Calling upon his fine arts background, he focuses on telling cinematic narratives with an artistic flair that never supersedes the message he is trying to convey. He focuses heavily on composition, lighting, color, texture, and music using each element as another tool to support the story.
Michael lives in Venice and is an avid surfer.