In the 1990s, Cooper also produced music videos for Chapel Hill bands Archers of Loaf and Squirrel Nut Zippers.[3][8] After college, he took a position with West, Pausback & Vaughn as a traffic manager.[7] However, he soon moved to Los Angeles to work in film.[3][4]
Film
Once in Los Angeles, Cooper worked as a post-production assistant for Andrew Solt who produced documentaries.[5] This allowed him to learn about editing and step up to bigger projects.[5] He edited D. L. Hughley's Going Home special in 1988, Chris Rock's HBO special Bigger and Blacker in 1999, and the television show Curb Your Enthusiasm in 2000-2001.[2][3] After one season of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Cooper decided to start his own editorial company.[5] This led to directing commercials, including one for Target.[5][3]
In 2019, Cooper created the CBS sitcom The Unicorn which is based on his own experiences as a widower and single parent, as well as his return to dating.[4] The concept for the show emerged when Cooper shared his experiences with college friends Bill Martin, now a television writer known for 3rd Rock from the Sun, and Peyton Reed, now a director and producer known for Ant-Man.[8][4] He asked them, "Do you think this could be a comedy?"[8] The trio began collaborating on The Unicorn, which aired for two seasons.[8][10]
^ abcdefNygard, Roger (2021). Cut to the Monkey: A Hollywood Editor's Behind the Scenes Secrets to Making Hit Comedies. Applause. pp. 17–20. ISBN978-1493061235.