Austin grew up with his mom in Newhall, California. While attending USC's School of Cinematic Arts, Austin directed on the feature adaptation of 'Don Quixote', won the Student Emmy for his comedy 'Takanakuy', and worked at Annapurna Pictures. Since school, Austin has worked for David O. Russell (Joy) and Susanne Bier (Bird Box), in addition to directing for the SyFy Channel (Haven Origins), All Def Digital (Mom, Stop!), Funny Or Die (Funny Business), and Comedy Central (Second Chances).