Max began his film education at The Tish School of the Arts at NYU. After completing his undergraduate studies he moved to Los Angeles to further his craft in Cinematography at The American Film Institute. He graduated in 2001 with a Masters Degree in Cinematography. While attending the AFI Max received the Sullivan and Whitney Scholarship for Academic Excellence. Max's thesis film from the AFI, "The Last Attack of the Beast," which he shot on 35mm anamorphic continues to do well at film festivals worldwide. Aside from shooting narrative short films and features, since graduation from the AFI Max has shot several National Commercials and Music Videos.