Home: Los Angeles, CA. Age: Old enough to receive mail from the AARP. Birthplace: Buffalo, NY. Profession: Writer, producer, thinker. Title: Executive Producer. Pronouns: He/Him/His. Significant other: Vanessa Aberman, veterinarian and total badass. Alma mater: Vassar College (BA, English); University of Southern California (MFA, Film). Languages spoken: English and Italian.
Current project: Developing a number of projects for TV and film. Recent recognition: My kids told me I’m a great cook. My work here is done! Recent professional development: I’ve recently gotten back to my screenwriting roots, something I didn’t have much time for when I was day-to-day on the Bachelor franchise. Latest accomplishment: The finale of Joey’s season of The Bachelor. It was something the audience had never seen before, and that isn’t easy to do for a show that’s been on the air for over two decades. Latest contribution to others: I make it a point to respond to emails and calls from people trying to break into the business. At a certain stage in your career, that’s just part of the responsibility. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Leaving the day-to-day on the Bachelor in search of new projects. I’m still a creative consultant on the show for at least the next couple years, but I’m excited to spread my wings in different areas. Hobbies: Serious soccer player, daily runner, voracious reader, (especially of contemporary romance), damn fine cook. Recent travel or adventure: A couple of weeks in the Galapagos Islands. The wildlife was amazing. Last book read: James, by Percival Everett. Recently viewed and recommended: There Will Be Blood. Again. PT Anderson is just so good. Recent unique acquisition: A Marcel Dzama painting. It’s in the dining room and it’s amazing.
Personality profile: Open, friendly, but not afraid to make decisions. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Loyal. Moral compass: I try to do what’s right and authentic. How do you define a perfect friendship? One where both of you can show up as your authentic selves. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Mutual trust. Both parties believe in each other’s integrity and follow through on commitments. What is your greatest joy? When my kids talk to me about their lives just like they would to a close friend. What is your greatest fear? Looking back and realizing I missed important moments in my kids’ lives because I was always caught up in work. What is your guilty pleasure? Wine and audio books. Together? There goes the weekend. What word or phrase do you use far too often? Organic. It’s become the new ‘literally’. People throw it on anything and everything, and no one really knows what it means anymore. What natural talent have you neglected? Until recently, cooking. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? I have a soft spot for people with patience, like toll booth collectors. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Vacations with my family. What is at the top of your bucket list? Running a marathon. What is your go-to workout? Soccer on the weekends, running on the weekdays, lifting when necessary. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? My wife and kids.
What was your first paying job? Pushing carts at a supermarket for $3.35/hour. What was your favorite college course? Italian cinema. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Who didn’t love Jarts? It’s like, ‘Let’s play a game where someone might lose an eye!’ Absolute classic. Banned, obviously. What book have you repeatedly read? Knausgaard’s My Struggle. Every re-read feels like discovering a new layer of truth you weren’t ready to see the first time. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Ntting Hill. The perfect mix of awkward, sweet, and totally British charm. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? A couple of Warhols. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My grandfather. The man was a legend. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Enjoy it, because it goes by fast. What’s the best advice you received in your career? The higher up you get, the more shots people take at you. Don’t let it get to you. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? My grandfather invented the plastic bag, so I’m going to go with that one! What is your favorite app? The app for the LA Public Library. What is your go-to source of news and information? The New York Times. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Running. What company or organization do you most admire? Trader Joe’s. Not a tech giant, but the guy who invented the two-buck Chuck deserves a medal. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? When my parents decided to make love on that one night in the early 70s. I wouldn’t be here without it!
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
I’m focused on mentorship, helping talented people navigate the industry so that great ideas don’t die in the inbox.
What change would you like to see in the world? Greater kindness. What widely held belief do you reject? That hair comes back thicker after you shave it. What mega-trend most excites you? Autonomous driving. It saves lives! What mega-trend most concerns you? Politicians with too much power.
What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Paul Rudd. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A soccer player. I dreamed of playing in the World Cup. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? The Dog. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my family, hanging out in the pool, just talking about life. What advice would you give your younger self? There will be ups and downs. Don’t sweat them so much.
