Rex Pickett is a screenwriter and author living in Santa Monica, California. His first book, Sideways (Loose Gravel Press), was made into a major motion picture that grossed $380 million worldwide and was remade in five languages, and is currently being produced for the stage. Vertical is the continuing story of his two socially challenged characters, Miles and Jack, and their trip into middle age and responsibility. He is also working on a pilot for HBO.