CommWeek

DAVID BERENBAUM
writer/director

David Berenbaum is a native of Philadelphia and graduate of New York University film school.

Berenbaum began his career as a television writer working with comedian Scott LaRose in the development of a number of pilots through his deal at NBC. He was then hired to write for the television show Wishbone.

Berenbaum’s first feature, the romantic comedy “CHRISTMAS IN NEW JERSEY” was optioned for producer DEBRA HILL. His second screenplay, “ELF”—the story of a man accidentally abducted by Santa and raised as an elf—was bought by New Line Cinema with Saturday Night Live’s WILL FERRELL attached to star and JON FAVREAU (“Swingers”, “Made”) attached to direct.

Since that time, Berenbaum has written, “COPPER”, a feature for Daybreak Productions and Universal Pictures, written a play, “SCENES FROM IKEA” and directed three short films, “SHALOM!”, “SHALOM II!” and “DWARVES OF OUR LIVES” which were sold to Neurotrash.com and Hypnotic.com.

Currently, Berenbaum is under an exclusive writing deal with Walt Disney Pictures and working on a number of projects, including the live action feature of the theme park ride, “THE HAUNTED MANSION” starring EDDIE MURPHY, to be directed by ROB MINKOFF (“The Lion King”, “Stuart Little”) and to be produced by DON HAHN (“Beauty and the Beast” “The Lion King”) and ANDREW GUNN (“The Country Bears”). He is also writing the re-make of Disney’s, “HERBIE THE LOVE BUG” to be produced by ROBERT SIMONDS (“Happy Gilmore” “The Wedding Singer”).