Chandor grew up in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township, New Jersey.[3] He is the son of Mary (McDonald) and Jeff Chandor, an investment banker.[4][5] After graduating in 1992 from Ridge High School in Bernards Township,[6] he received his bachelor's degree in 1996 from The College of Wooster.[7][8] During the 15 years leading up to Margin Call, Chandor directed commercials.[9]