David Zieff is an American director, producer, and writer best known for his work on the films "Garden State" and "Youth in Revolt." He was born in New York City on November 30, 1961, and grew up in Los Angeles.
Zieff began his career in the film industry in the late 1980s, working as an assistant director on films such as "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle" and "The Addams Family." He then moved up to directing music videos for the group The B-52s, which brought him to the attention of L.A. Reid, the head of LaFace Records. With Reid’s encouragement, Zieff directed his first feature film, "Garden State," in 2004. The film was a critical success and was nominated for two Academy Awards.
In 2009, Zieff directed the comedy "Youth in Revolt," which starred Michael Cera and Portia Doubleday. The film received mixed reviews but was a box office success, grossing over $37 million worldwide. He then went on to direct the 2010 drama "Life During Wartime," which starred Shirley Henderson and Ciaran Hinds. The film was well-received by critics and was nominated for several awards, including the Cannes Film Festival’s Grand Prix.
In recent years, Zieff has become more involved in television, directing episodes of "Glee," "The Good Wife," and "Parks and Recreation." He also directed the 2012 indie comedy "The Giant Mechanical Man," which starred Jenna Fischer and Topher Grace.
Zieff is currently working on his next film, a comedy-drama titled "My Sister’s Wedding," which is set to star Christina Ricci and Judy Greer. He is also attached to direct the drama "The House on Maple Street," which is set to star Kelly Lynch and Dylan Baker.
Throughout his career, Zieff has become known for his ability to create unique and engaging stories, as well as his skill at working with actors to bring out the best in their performances. He is a talented and versatile director who continues to make an impact on the film industry.
