Noted for his impressive upbringing in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, he spent his formative years exploring the streets and, on occasion, sneaking into the movie theaters of Westwood.
Following a rigorous academic journey, he proudly earned his degree from the University of California, Los Angeles Film School in 1992. His thesis film, "Shadow Box," made a significant impression, as it received the prestigious award for Best Student Film that same year.
Initially, he embarked on a career as a rap music video director, showcasing his creative skills in this medium. However, it was his foray into screenwriting that truly launched his career. In 1993, he sold his script, "Black Ocean," co-written with former partner Paul Scheuring, to the renowned director Oliver Stone, marking the beginning of his successful screenwriting career.