Nanette Burstein, born and raised in Buffalo, NY, and Brett Morgen met while film students in the graduate program at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts in 1995. Ms. Burstein first conceived the idea for ON THE ROPES as her 2nd year project and was assisted by Mr. Morgen. Subsequently, Mr. Morgen submitted it as his 3rd year thesis film, for which he received his MFA in 1999. Ms. Burstein received her BFA in film from NYU in 1994 and graduated from the Tisch School. Other notable credits include IN THE NAME OF THE EMPEROR (1998, writer & editor), "Say It Loud: A Celebration of Black Music in America" (2001, TV mini-series - director), THE KID STAYS IN THE PICTURES (2002, prod. & director), and AMERICAN TEEN (2008, prod. & director).  Nominated for Achievement in Documentary Features 1999: ON THE ROPES - Producer (w. Brett Morgen) 1 nomination