Michael is thrilled to be a part of the BIFF lineup this year with his first feature script Pretty Problems. He received his B.F.A. in Acting & Directing from the University of Arizona before moving to NYC to work on stage and do his requisite New York Actor episode of Law and Order. Shortly after leaving New York for Los Angeles, he booked leads in multiple pilots as well as guest starring roles for ABC, NBC, Nickelodeon, and The CW. Michael has a deep love for indie film and has earned his hyphenates working as an Actor/Producer/Writer on productions for Amazon, IFC Films, Neon, Netflix, and STX (to name a few).
His film, PRETTY PROBLEMS, is part of BIFF 2022.
What was your first experience on a film set?
It was like summer camp. After almost two years of isolation, it was such a dream to be holed up with twenty-five cast and crew members for three weeks. It was a lot of work, but a tremendous amount of fun.
What was the first film you directed/wrote?
This is it! I’ve been very fortunate as a producer but I wanted to see if I could write my own material. I wanted to make a movie about relationships and potential, and I wanted to make that movie with my friends. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
Who is your favorite filmmaker?
I don’t have one specifically. I love what the Duplass brothers do, Joey Soloway’s work always blows my mind, Judd Appatow, Jim Cummings… Basically, anyone who’s making films that makes me laugh and then makes me want to call my therapist… I’m also realizing all of those filmmakers’ names start with J’s. (Calls therapist)
What are you working on that no one knows about?
Teaching my dog to speak English. He’s fluent in French, Spanish, and Latin.