Graduated from Chapman-Dodge Conservatory of Film.
Was a metalworker for 11 years, and union-steelworker for 4 years.
As an 18-year-old in former communist Yugoslavia, worked in a metal factory by day and operated an underground movie rental club by evening.
As a 9-year-old attended a rock concert near Belgrade, Yugoslavia (Bijelo Dugme/White Button). Thirty years later (2006) shot a documentary featuring several musicians from the 1977 concert.
Created his first short film on an old Paillard Bolex 16mm cinema camera.