Born in New Orleans, she is an American film director, producer, and screenwriter known for her work in the documentary and comedy genres. After earning a Master of Fine Arts degree in Theater Arts from UCLA, she gained recognition with "The Decline of Western Civilization" series, which documented Los Angeles' punk rock and heavy metal scenes. Her mainstream success came with directing "Wayne's World" in 1992. Her films often explore subcultures and societal outsiders, reflecting her unique style and perspective.