Richard Linklater is an American film director, screenwriter, and producer, born on July 30, 1960, in Houston, Texas. He is known for his work in independent cinema, such as the films Slacker, Dazed and Confused, the Before trilogy (Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, and Before Midnight), and Boyhood. He studied at Sam Houston State University but dropped out to work on an oil rig, where he developed his love for cinema.