There's a powerful scene in the movie Gattaca that I often think about. In the film, Ethan Hawke’s character, born with a heart condition, is deemed unfit to achieve his dream of becoming an astronaut in a genetically engineered future. Twice, he competes against his genetically superior brother, played by Loren Dean, in a test of endurance: swimming out into the ocean as far as they can before turning back. Despite his physical limitations, Hawke’s character wins both times. He pushes further and further until Dean, out of breath, finally gives up and turns back.

After the second race, exhausted and back on the beach, Dean, bewildered by how his "weaker" brother defeated him, asks, "How do you do it? How did you beat me?" Hawke responds with a simple, profound line: "I just don’t save anything for the way back."

That philosophy perfectly captures my approach to every project I’m fortunate enough to be a part of. I pour myself into my work completely - heart, soul, and every ounce of energy - whether it’s a big-budget production or a small, personal project.

Most recently, I produced and directed the feature documentary 76 Days Adrift, based on Steven Callahan’s memoir Adrift: 76 Days Lost at Sea. Executive produced by Ang Lee (Life of Pi), the film tells a story of resilience and survival.

On the narrative side, I wrote the comedy Wheeler Dealer, which is being produced by Robert Cort (On the Basis of Sex, Mr. Holland’s Opus) and Duane Adler (Save the Last Dance, Step Up). Directed by Dean Holland (Parks and Recreation), the film stars Seann William Scott.

My directorial debut, the short comedy Goldfish, earned the Grand Jury Award and Audience Award at Gen Art, the Audience Award at the Austin Film Festival, and Best Comedy Short at the Savannah Film Festival. It was an official selection at over 100 festivals, including Tribeca, Palm Springs, and Santa Barbara. The film has since been distributed by Shorts International.

Earlier in my career, I wrote the feature comedy Scorched, starring Woody Harrelson, John Cleese, Alicia Silverstone, and Rachael Leigh Cook. I’ve written scripts for Fox 2000, Universal, Paramount, and filmmakers like Chris and Paul Weitz (American Pie, About a Boy) amd Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity, Mr. & Mrs. Smith). Variety Magazine recognized me as one of its “Top Ten Screenwriters to Watch.” 

In addition to my work as a writer and director, I collaborated with David Fincher on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, designing and animating all the computer screen visuals in the film. I also directed the music video for Patrick Stump’s "Spotlight," which MTV called “the best video Patrick has ever been associated with” and ranked #18 on Fuse TV’s Top 20. A web commercial I directed for Downy Fabric Softener was nominated for a People’s Choice Award and aired on TV during the event.

I’m deeply grateful for the support and enthusiasm my projects have received and remain committed to giving my all to every creative challenge I take on. I don’t save anything for the way back.