Born in Syracuse, New York in 1970, the director and screenwriter made his directing debut in 2012 with Pavilion. His second film Memphis and his third Dark Night, loosely based on the 2012 Aurora Cineplex massacre, were both selected for Venice and Sundance. Donnybrook, produced by David Lancaster (Drive, Whiplash), celebrated its premiere in Toronto while Funny Face screened in the 2020 Encounters section of the Berlinale. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two sons.