Michael has been behind the camera since he was 12 years old. Movies he and Marc made as teenagers received critical acclaim at film festivals, including Best Narrative at the New York Trinity Film Festival. Independent movie Into His Arms also received critical praise. He worked as a news reporter, videographer, and film critic for local television station KOTA. In 2003, Michael produced, shot, and edited a short comedy, Market 175, which has gained national recognition in digital production and was screened at the Los Angeles Short Film Festival.