Thunder Levin, a native New Yorker, was born and raised in the city that never sleeps. He spent his formative years at Hunter College High School, where he laid the foundation for his future success. Later, he went on to receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film from New York University, a prestigious institution that has produced some of the most talented minds in the industry.
Thunder's love affair with science fiction and filmmaking began at a young age, thanks in part to the original Star Trek television series. The show's blend of adventure, science, and social commentary captivated his imagination and sparked a passion that would stay with him throughout his life. The original Star Wars trilogy further solidified his desire to make movies, and he knew from that moment on that he wanted to be a part of the film industry.
At the age of 23, Thunder made the bold decision to leave his hometown of New York City and move to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, one that would be filled with challenges, opportunities, and eventually, success.
Thunder's feature film directorial debut, Mutant Vampire Zombies from the 'Hood! (2008),starring C. Thomas Howell, was a significant milestone in his career. The film's success led to him writing and directing several projects for The Asylum, a production company known for its low-budget, high-concept films. These projects included American Warships (2012) and AE: Apocalypse Earth (2013),both of which showcased Thunder's ability to craft compelling stories and characters.
However, it was his work on Sharknado (2013) that truly cemented his status as a master of the genre. The film's campy humor, over-the-top special effects, and outrageous premise made it a pop culture phenomenon, and it quickly became a cult classic.
In addition to his work in film, Thunder is also a lifelong sailor and car enthusiast. He has recently taken up motorcycle riding and is enjoying the thrill and freedom that comes with it. When he's not behind the camera or on the open road, Thunder can be found writing his first novel, a project that he is both excited and nervous about.
Despite his success, Thunder remains humble and grounded. He is a true New Yorker at heart, and even though he now calls Santa Monica, California home, he still considers himself a "temporarily misassigned New Yorker." Thunder's real name is, in fact, his given name, and he prefers not to discuss the reasoning behind it.
