Career
He is the nephew of author Lawrence Shainberg. Shainberg received his Bachelor from Yale University in English Literature and East Asian studies. After graduation, he worked as a location manager, assistant director, production coordinator, and assistant editor on a number of films, commercials, and rock videos.
He also worked as an independent producer developing adaptations of Joseph Conrad’s The Secret Agent and Henry James’ The Americans.
At the American Film Institute, he directed and wrote four short films including The Prom starring Jennifer Jason Leigh, Andras Jones and J. T. Walsh. In 1998, his short film series "Mr.
Viril" (Angela & Viril, Alice & Viril) ran for almost six months on Music Television, in addition to his video for Debbie Harry’s "Strike Maine Pink". The former starred a young Angelina Jolie.