Born in Brooklyn, this American filmmaker and screenwriter began his career in the entertainment industry as a stand-up comedian and political campaign staffer. He gained prominence with his debut feature film, "Boiler Room" (2000), a drama about the world of stockbroking, which showcased his knack for compelling storytelling and strong character development. He continued to explore diverse genres, including directing "Prime" (2005) and "Bleed for This" (2016), further establishing his versatile directorial style.