Born on 23rd August 1977 in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada; Michael began programming in BASIC at age 9 and first took up animating on his computer at age 12. He won the 'Governor General's Award For High School Academic Achievement'; while undertaking courses grades 9-12 in 'Computer Science', 'Design Communications' and 'Media Productions'. Michael later produced a 3-minute animated short in grade 12, which placed first at the BC Student Film Festival in the Animation and People's Choice categories. In 1995 he completed his studies and graduated from high school.