David Ayer

David Ayer

Born 01/18/1968 (56 years old)
Champaign, Illinois, USA

Biography

Acclaimed screenwriter and director David Ayer moved to the mean streets of LA as a teenager. The experiences of his youth helped shape his artistic vision and his inside knowledge and affection for the culture of Los Angeles can be seen throughout his work.

At 18, David joined the United States Navy, where he served as sonar man aboard a nuclear attack submarine during the Cold War. After an honourable discharge, David began writing. He wrote and was a co-producer on his "calling card" spec script TRAINING DAY which became a hit film and garnered Denzel Washington an Academy Award for Best Actor.

Ayer co-wrote the submarine thriller U-571, starring Matthew McConaughey, Bill Paxton and Harvey Keitel. Other writing credits include, THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS, starring Paul Walker and Vin Diesel, SWAT, starring Samuel L Jackson and Colin Farrell, and DARK BLUE, starring Kurt Russell.

Ayer made his directorial debut with his original screenplay HARSH TIMES. The gritty drama, starring Christian Bale and Freddy Rodriguez, was released in the fall of 2006.

© 2012 Open Road Films

Screenwriter

Director

Movies
2025

Levon's Trade

2024

The Beekeeper

2020

The Tax Collector

2017

Bright

2016

Suicide Squad

2014

Fury

 

Sabotage

2012

End of Watch

2008

Street Kings

Ads

Ads

2005

Harsh Times

Series
2020

Deputy

 

10-8 Outlaws (E02)

 

Graduation Day (E01)

Music videos
2010

LCD Soundsystem: Pow Pow

Producer

Actor

Guest