Biographie
Paul Schiff began his career as a documentary cameraman in New York City before transitioning to directing for MTV, where he was on staff for four years during the early days of the innovative cable network.
His achievements at MTV led to an introduction to film executive Joe Roth, who became his mentor and introduced him to feature films. Roth hired Schiff, a Wesleyan University film studies graduate, as associate producer on the boxing drama "Streets of Gold," and later as producer on the 1988 drama "Coupe De Ville." Schiff then served as Vice President of Production under Roth at Morgan Creek Productions, where he developed and supervised numerous projects, including producing the westerns "Young Guns" and "Young Guns II."
When Roth became Chairman of 20th Century Fox in 1989, Schiff spent seven successful years at the studio under a production deal, producing films such as "My Cousin Vinny," starring Joe Pesci and Oscar® winner Marisa Tomei; "The Vanishing," an American adaptation of George Sluizer’s Dutch thriller starring Jeff Bridges and Kiefer Sutherland; the college comedy "PCU"; and the sci-fi thriller "Ghost in the Machine."
Following his tenure at Fox, Schiff reunited with Roth at Disney in a production deal, producing Wes Anderson’s critically acclaimed "Rushmore," featuring Bill Murray and introducing Jason Schwartzman. The film earned two Independent Spirit Awards for Best Director and Best Supporting Actor (Murray), who also received numerous other accolades and nominations, including from the Golden Globes and major film critics associations.
Continuing his collaboration with Roth at Revolution Studios, Schiff produced "Maid in Manhattan," a hit romantic comedy starring Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes, and Mike Newell’s drama "Mona Lisa Smile," featuring Julia Roberts, Julia Stiles, and Kirsten Dunst.
Schiff’s producing credits also include "The Air I Breathe," starring Kevin Bacon, Brendan Fraser, Andy Garcia, and Sarah Michelle Gellar; "Numb," with Matthew Perry; "Green Street Hooligans," starring Elijah Wood; the 2004 remake of the 1970s action film "Walking Tall" with Dwayne Johnson; "Solitary Man," starring Michael Douglas and Susan Sarandon; "The Truth About Emmanuel," featuring Jessica Biel; the ensemble comedy "Spin"; and the upcoming Alaskan-set thriller "Endangered," starring James Marsden, Billy Bob Thornton, Thomas Jane, and Scott Glenn.
Most recently, Schiff completed "My All American," an inspirational sports drama starring Aaron Eckhart and Robin Tunney.
