Pursuing my passion for filmmaking was a blast at UCSB, analyzing 6-7 movies per week and learning from seasoned pros. Paul Lazarus, the former Executive VP of Colombia Pictures was my screenwriting professor. Since Santa Barbara is so close to LA, industry greats like Robert Zemekis, Scott Frank, and Callie Kourey came and shared their knowledge. I earned a BA Degree in Film Studies & History.

While at UCSB, I wrote and directed my first short film, No Food, No Drink. I think it was 6 minutes? We shot it with a Bolex camera, and I cut it, and spliced the film by hand. There was no sound needed for the Reel Loud Film Festival, where bands played on stage in front of the screen. Jack Johnson was in my class and part of my crew. Here he is getting roughed up by the security guard for my promo pic.

I did my college internship with Andrew Davis, director of The Fugitive, etc, and scored a place on the film crew of A Perfect Murder. I ran around with a headset, telling New Yorkers where they couldn’t walk and park - you can guess what they told me! A high point was telling a distinguished man he couldn’t leave the UN, and he protested until I pointed out Michael Douglas doing his thing right in front of us, and then he became star-struck.

I had been pursuing screenwriting for many years when I heard about this magical Safari in South Africa where screenwriters and mentors go scope out wild, free-range animals and then dig deep into stories. It was unforgettable and built lasting friendships.

I've been working on my zombie story for a couple of years - writing and rewriting - showing it in different groups. Bringing Gold Miner Mayhem to life and watching my zombies crawl and scratch their way to the surface is a dream come true.

I jumped at the chance to meet the cast of Napoleon Dynamite. My friend, Mollie, and I were treated to tater tots while we waited in line, and the cast welcomed every single person like a friend - it was so sweet. I didn't know that that was John Heder's real hair - he'd gotten a perm for the role! He also took the brunt of the steak to the face over MANY takes. God bless him.