Raised in Santa Rosa, California

Began making Super-8 movies as a teenager

While at USC, met Kevin Reynolds; served as producer of Reynolds' 22-minute thesis film "Proof"

Assisted Reynolds on "Fandango", a feature based on "Proof"

Served as assistant director to Clay Borris on the thriller "Quiet Cool"

Was second unit director on Reynolds' "The Beast"

Had a key production assistant credit on Alan Rudolph's romantic mystery "Love at Large"

Served as second unit director on "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves", helmed by Reynolds

Reteamed with Reynolds as 2nd unit director on "Rapa Nui"

Feature directorial debut, "Happy, Texas"; also co-wrote with Ed Stone and Phil Reeves and served as one of the producers; premiered at the Sundance Film Festival

Signed to direct the comedy feature "Guam Goes to the Moon", described by Illsley as "'The Right Stuff' but the wrong guys"