Michael is a screenwriter, transmedia director, and expert in place-based storytelling. He has a M.S. degree in Comparative Media Studies from M.I.T. where he specialized in developing multiplatform documentary films.

In 2006, Michael founded Walking Cinema, an experiential media studio based in San Francisco, CA. The company has developed cross-platform apps for The Smithsonian, PBS, the Venice Biennale, Audible and many museum and broadcast clients. Epstein is also an Adjunct Professor at California College of the Arts, teaching studio courses in landscape history and interactive media production.

In 2019, Michael was selected as a Reynolds Journalism Institute fellow at the University of Missouri. Michael has served as a Peer Reviewer and Principal Investigator on several National Endowment for the Humanities programs.