Born and raised in Los Angeles. Spent his childhood roaming the streets and sneaking into the movie theaters of Westwood. Graduated from UCLA Film School in 1992. His thesis film, "Shadow Box", won the award for Best Student Film that same year. Began his career as a rap music-video director, until he sold his first script, "Black Ocean" (co-written with former partner Paul Scheuring) to Oliver Stone in 1993, launching his screen-writing career. Has done uncredited rewrites and production polishes on several major studio releases.