Michael is the founder of Thoughtful Robot Productions, committed to sharing stories that inspire, connect, and galvanize change since 2003. He is a four-time Emmy and Grierson nominated filmmaker and recently joined the board of Telluride Mountainfilm festival. In addition to filmmaking, Michael volunteers as a meditation and breathwork instructor working with a wide range of populations including the LGBTQ community, creative activists, veterans, and military families. He writes, paints, and immerses in nature every chance he gets.

Michael’s first film, GIVE UP TOMORROW, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2011 where it won the Audience Award and a Special Jury Prize for Best New Director. It was selected for the Puma Impact Award in 2012 and was nominated for an Emmy® Award for Outstanding Investigative Journalism in 2013. GIVE UP TOMORROW won 18 awards worldwide.

Michael’s film ALMOST SUNRISE, chronicles the transformative journey of two Iraq war veterans who set off on a