Son of conductor and composer Howard Shanet (1918-2006) and neurophysiologist Bernice Grafstein Shanet.
Attended the Bronx High School of Science and The Johns Hopkins University, where he studied film, as well as writing and psychology, and is a US commercial and film director, also known under his working moniker Kranky.
Married his long-time partner Alyssa Sutherland on Natai Beach in Thailand.