Michael is a documentary filmmaker and founder or Touch the Future, a nonprofit learning design center. In collaboration with Joseph Chilton Pearce, Michael developed a performance and learning model that optimizes the adult child relationship. Athletes call this Optimum Learning Relationship the Zone, researchers call it Flow, and children call it Play. In Optimum Learning Relationships the adult-child dynamic is approached as a spontaneous, creative act. Formulas, rewards and punishments are replaced by creative intelligence and insight. Learning and development is shared, awakening new levels of sensitivity in both children and adults. Touch the future is developing projects that cultivate Optimum Learning Relationships between adults and children including: Nurturing the Early Child, Family & Caregiver, targeting communities serving children zero to five, United We Play focusing on amateur athletics and Science, Story & Creativity, a PBS project which, explores development of critical and creative skills and the future workforce.