Born & Raised in the South Bay of Los Angeles, California, Michael’s passion for film and storytelling took to him at an early age. He entered into the film business when he was 16 years old as an Intern at Raleigh Studios Manhattan Beach (now known as MBS studios). In his role as an Intern, he would spend time on productions such as The OC, CSI: Miami, and America’s Funniest Home Videos. In 2011, after completing his BA in Film and Electronic Arts at CSULB, Michael connected with D.P Byron Werner who gave him the opportunity to work in the camera department on a feature film called Phantom starring Ed Harris.

Working as a Camera PA and transitioning to a digital loader, Michael was able to merge his computer software experience with his growing knowledge of camera, filters, lenses and digital workflows, to become a DIT (Digital Imaging Technician).

As a result, Michael joined ICG Local 600 as a DIT in 2014. Since then, he has gone on to work across the gamut as a DIT in television on shows such as Showtime’s “The L Word: Generation Q” Seasons 1-3, “With, Love” on Amazon Prime, HBO MAX “Rap Sh!t,” and Hulu’s “Reasonable Doubt to name a few. His Feature work as a DIT include, “Hello, My name is Doris”, “Cardboard Boxer,” “Fun Mom Dinner,” and “The Sky is Everywhere”

This has allowed him to work beside many acclaimed Cinematographers such as Ava Berkofsky ASC, Sandra Valde-Hansen ASC, Moira Morel, Kira Kelly ASC, Michelle Lawler, Brian Burgoyne and Danny Grunes to name a few.

With a strong passion for storytelling, Michael is pivoting his skill sets and experience into Directing. As a queer, Mexican American who often felt invalidated and whose identify was not truly reflected on-screen, Michael strives to tell stories that stem from a place of social depth, diverse cultures, and creative originality. His most recent Directing work includes a music video titled “With You” for artist-singer/songwriter Mary Reinman.

Michael is currently in Pre-production to direct a short film to be shot Winter 2023.