David O. Russell is an American film director, screenwriter and producer born in 1958 in New York City. He graduated from Amherst College and his early directing career included films such as Spanking the Monkey, Flirting with Disaster, and Three Kings. His most recent films, The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook, and American Hustle were critical and commercial successes, earning him three consecutive Academy Award nominations for Best Director. Russell is also very involved with Ghetto Film School, serving on its board and helping connect students to industry professionals through guest lectures and partnerships with studios like 21st Century Fox.