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Jeff Baena

Early Life and Education

Jeff Baena is an American film editor, screenwriter, and director best known for his work on the films Life After Beth, Joshy, and The Little Hours. He was born on June 29, 1977, in Miami, Florida, and was raised in South Florida. Pursuing his passion for storytelling, Baena moved to New York City to study film at New York University.

Related Biography: Anne Bancroft

Career Beginnings in Film

After completing his studies, Baena relocated to Los Angeles, where he began his film career as a production assistant for acclaimed director Robert Zemeckis. Zemeckis is recognized for directing blockbuster films such as Romancing the Stone (1984) and the Back to the Future trilogy. He also won the Academy Award for Best Director in 1994 for Forrest Gump.

Following his time with Zemeckis, Baena began working as an assistant editor for writer and director David O. Russell. This led to their collaboration on four scripts, notably including the 2004 philosophical comedy I Heart Huckabees.

Screenwriting and Directorial Breakthrough

While collaborating with Russell, Baena also focused on developing his own projects. He began writing the script for Life After Beth in 2003, a zombie-themed romantic comedy that eventually became his directorial debut. The film premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival and received mixed reviews from critics. Despite the polarized reception, it marked Baena’s successful entry into directing.

The Little Hours and Continued Work

After Life After Beth, Baena went on to write and direct The Little Hours, a 2017 comedy loosely based on a tale from Giovanni Boccaccio’s The Decameron. Known for its ensemble cast and irreverent humor, the film further established Baena’s reputation for unique storytelling and blending of genres, particularly comedy and satire.


Quick Facts
Birth Date: 29 Jun, 1977
Age: 42 yrs
Occupations: Screenwriter
Film director
Citizenship: United States of America
Birth Place: Florida
Gender: Male
Description: American screenwriter and film director
Net Worth 2021: 19 million
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Last Modified: Aug 4 2025
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