Biography
Mark Boal is an American journalist, screenwriter and film producer. Born on 23 January 1973 in New York City, he graduated from Oberlin College in 1995. He began his career as a freelance journalist, contributing to publications including Rolling Stone, The Village Voice, Salon and Playboy.
Boal wrote the screenplay for the 2008 film The Hurt Locker, which he also produced. The film, directed by Kathryn Bigelow, earned him Academy Awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture. His earlier article "Death and Dishonor" formed the basis for the 2007 film In the Valley of Elah, which he co-wrote. He later wrote and produced Zero Dark Thirty (2012), again with Bigelow.
