Born and raised in Los Angeles, Sam grew up on film and TV sets. His father, a well known sitcom Director, would bring him to tapings where he ate craft service with the likes of Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Helen Hunt, Paul Reiser, and one special time, Mel Brooks (a bagel). His love of creating and collaboration grew out of watching these talented people work (and eat). Sam received his MFA in Directing from the prestigious USC Cinematic Arts program. His thesis film "Borderline" ran the festival circuit, competing at the Nashville, Cleveland, and Palm Beach International Film Festivals, among others. It also won the audience award at the KCET Fine Cut Film Festival, and then went onto air on their network the following year.After completing his education, Sam continued directing numerous shorts, music videos, and commercials, and now he's made the jump to TV, with TNT's drama "Rizzoli & Isles". While writing and producing 5 episodes for the hit series, Sam was surrounded by Directors that taught him to appreciate directing, in the spirit of collaboration. By doing so, he is able continue to create the same on-set atmosphere that his dad created - one where people are happy to work hard every day, being creative! Show less «