Director Rick Rosenthal received a degree in Visual and Environmental Studies from Harvard University in 1971. He started his professional career as a documentarian, working closely with PBS in New Hampshire. In 1989, Rosenthal directed the pilot episode for the television series Life Goes On, which became a very popular and respected part of United States TV history. In addition to his filmmaking, Rosenthal also teaches film with the American Film Institute, as well as with the University of Southern California.