David Levien

David Levien is an American screenwriter, film director, novelist, and producer known for his gritty, character-driven work in neo-noir and crime dramas. He frequently collaborates with writing partner Brian Koppelman, with whom he has co-written numerous screenplays, including the acclaimed films Rounders and Ocean's Thirteen. His diverse career spans major Hollywood studio productions, independent filmmaking, and a series of acclaimed detective novels.

Early life and education

David Levien was born in New York City and developed an early interest in storytelling. He attended the University of Michigan, where he studied English literature and began to hone his craft. During his time in Ann Arbor, he immersed himself in the works of classic crime writers and filmmakers, which would later profoundly influence his own narrative style. After graduating, he initially pursued a career in the financial sector before fully committing to writing.

Career

Levien's breakthrough came in 1998 when he co-wrote the cult classic Rounders with Brian Koppelman, a film that explored the high-stakes world of underground poker and starred Matt Damon and Edward Norton. This success established him as a skilled writer of intelligent genre fare and led to a long-term partnership with Koppelman. Together, they have written screenplays for a wide range of projects, from the heist film Ocean's Thirteen for director Steven Soderbergh to the sports drama Runaway Jury. Levien made his directorial debut with the 2009 crime thriller The Girlfriend Experience, which starred Sasha Grey and was released by Magnolia Pictures. Beyond film, he and Koppelman created the acclaimed Showtime drama series Billions, which delves into the world of high finance and legal intrigue. Levien has also authored a series of popular detective novels featuring private investigator Frank Behr, published by Doubleday.

Filmography

A selected list of his film and television work includes: * Rounders (1998) – Screenwriter * Knockaround Guys (2001) – Screenwriter * Runaway Jury (2003) – Screenwriter * Walking Tall (2004) – Screenwriter * The Illusionist (2006) – Screenwriter * Ocean's Thirteen (2007) – Screenwriter * The Girlfriend Experience (2009) – Director, co-writer * Solitary Man (2009) – Co-writer * Billions (2016–2023) – Creator, executive producer, writer * Ocean's Eight (2018) – Co-writer (story)

Awards and nominations

Levien's work has been recognized by several industry organizations. He received a nomination for the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for Runaway Jury. His directorial effort, The Girlfriend Experience, was nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature. The series Billions has been nominated for multiple Critics' Choice Television Awards and Satellite Awards during its run.

Personal life

David Levien married television executive Michele Ganeless, former president of Comedy Central, in 2003. The couple has two children and resides primarily in New York City. An avid poker player, his personal interest in the game directly informed the authentic detail in Rounders. He maintains a relatively private life, focusing on his family and his prolific writing partnership with Brian Koppelman.

Category:American screenwriters Category:American film directors Category:American novelists Category:1967 births Category:Living people Category:Writers from New York City Category:University of Michigan alumni