Raised in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York

Performed as a stand-up comedian

Was a legislative intern for state Assemblyman Alan Hevesi; also worked on his campaign for NYC controller and later served as a senior policy analyst

At age 21, ran Melinda Katz's successful New York State Assembly campaign (date approximate)

Worked as a driver on the indie "Walking and Talking"

Directed commercials and music videos

Wrote and directed the short films "Maestro" and "L & M"

Feature directorial debut "Boiler Room", starring Ben Affleck and Giovanni Ribisi; also scripted

Was director of "sub-stories" for "The Hire", an omnibus of five short featurette commercials for BMW, shown over the Internet at bmwfilms.com

Directed the short films "The Car Thief and the Hit Man" and "The Hit Man and the Investigator"

Helmed the romantic comedy "Prime" starring Uma Thurman and Meryl Streep