Brian Koppelman (born July 27, 1966) is an American screenwriter, director, producer, and podcast host. He is widely recognized for his collaborative work with David Levien, most notably as the co-creator, showrunner, executive producer, and writer of the acclaimed Showtime drama series Billions.
Early Life and Career Koppelman began his career in the music industry, working in A&R before transitioning to film. His partnership with David Levien began in the late 1990s. Their breakthrough came with the 1998 poker drama ''Rounders'', which they co-wrote. The film, starring Matt Damon and Edward Norton, achieved cult status and is highly regarded in the poker community.
Film Work Following ''Rounders'', Koppelman and Levien continued to collaborate on a number of screenplays. Their credits include:
- ''Knockaround Guys'' (2001): They co-wrote and co-directed this crime thriller starring Barry Pepper, Vin Diesel, and John Malkovich.
- ''Ocean's Thirteen'' (2007): They co-wrote the screenplay for the third installment of Steven Soderbergh's ''Ocean's'' franchise.
- ''The Girlfriend Experience'' (2009): Koppelman and Levien produced this film directed by Steven Soderbergh.
- ''Solitary Man'' (2009): They co-wrote and co-directed this drama starring Michael Douglas.
Television Work Koppelman's most significant television work has been with David Levien.
- Billions (2016–present): Co-created with Levien and Andrew Ross Sorkin, Koppelman serves as a showrunner, executive producer, and writer for the critically and commercially successful Showtime series. The show, set in the world of high finance and hedge funds, explores themes of power, ambition, and corruption.
- Super Pumped (2022): Koppelman and Levien developed, wrote, and executive produced this anthology series for Showtime, with its first season focusing on the rise and fall of Uber CEO Travis Kalanick.
Podcasting Koppelman is also the host of the popular podcast ''The Moment with Brian Koppelman''. Launched in 2014, the podcast features in-depth interviews with various artists, writers, filmmakers, and entrepreneurs, discussing pivotal "moments" in their careers and creative processes.
Style and Themes Koppelman's work, often co-written with Levien, is characterized by sharp, witty dialogue and complex character dynamics. His narratives frequently explore high-stakes environments, such as finance or professional gambling, delving into themes of ambition, obsession, morality, and the pursuit of power. He is known for crafting intricate plots and exploring the psychological underpinnings of his characters.