Gary Ross is a critically acclaimed screenwriter, director and producer who has been nominated for four Academy Awards. He launched his career with the Oscar-nominated screenplays for
Big and Dave, made his directorial debut with
Pleasantville, and wrote and directed
Seabiscuit, which received seven Oscar nominations. In 2008, he entered the world of children's books, writing and producing the animated feature
The Tale of Despereaux, based on Kate DiCamillo's best-selling novel, and in 2011, he began directing
The Hunger Games, the first movie based on Suzanne Collins' best-selling dystopian trilogy. Gary Ross has also served as president of the Board of Commissioners for the Los Angeles Public Library, where he established mentoring programmes for inner-city youth and expanded young adult services throughout the library system. He lives in Los Angeles with his family.