While attending Arizona State University, Michael discovered the magic of digital media while producing a 16mm student film; the introduction of non-linear editing using a Macintosh IIfx was a world of wonderment for the aspiring Cinematographer.

Spellbound by the digital world, Michael decided to make several student films using the school’s new technology; some of his projects included an 8 minute short titled No Soliciting, and a thesis documentary project titled The Last Resort.

As the university’s AV Tech, Michael found himself in what can be described as a “Romper Room” of multimedia technology. “It was an adventure… I was the guy helping a Professor eject a lodged VCR, installing a state-of-the-art AV system, recording a Provost’s speech, editing a film, or up in the projector room changing reels for the Film Society.”

After graduating in 1995, Michael trekked to Seattle and landed a job with Wizards of the Coast, a hot new game company; his role with IT in a startup environment was an important right of passage into game company culture and software.

In 2000, Michael joined Sony Computer Entertainment and was responsible for establishing global product quality practices for Sony’s Worldwide Game Studios.

In 2002, Michael introduced Sony’s International QA Summit as a gathering for the company’s worldwide quality groups. “It was an instant hit… everyone was having similar issues globally, and we wanted to collaborate and solve them together.”

In 2003, Michael established Sony’s game testing certification and international exchange programs, this was an effort to radically expedite the turgid learning process for new talent.