Roger Avary

Grew up in Manhattan Beach, CA. Worked at Video Outtakes (video store, Redondo Beach) from ~1978 where he met Quentin Tarantino. His first feature Killing Zoe (1993) was shot on film. Rules of Attraction (2002) made for $4M in Los Angeles (fought to keep it there despite budget pressure). Cast included James Van Der Beek, Shannon Sossamon, Kate Bosworth, Ian Somerhalder. Shannon Sossamon was cast after Tara Reid dropped out on a location scout (car accident in NJ). Almost lost the movie three times. Shot during 9/11 — was shooting the end-of-world party scene on that day. Co-wrote Pulp Fiction; the 'Butch' (Bruce Willis boxer) segment was his section. Credits were restructured so Tarantino would have full ownership/authorship credit. Experienced a falling-out with Tarantino that lasted years; they reconnected during pandemic. Served prison time for DUI-related fatal accident; the experience transformed his perspective on life. Currently preparing Glamorama (Bret Easton Ellis) for adaptation — wants to shoot on film. Has a Salvador Dali biopic script with Al Pacino, Adrien Brody, Russell Brand at various times attached. Directed Leu-men (French-language film, unreleased, stars Elsa Zilberstein; Jean Cocteau Foundation pulled rights after production). Favorite filmmaker: Stanley Kubrick. Daughter Gala Avary is his collaborator (co-writer, producer). This was one of the only live shows Roger has done since hosting the Academy Awards in the 1990s. Leaving the next day for Brazil.