Born and raised in Los Angeles, Roth began his tertiary education at the University of California, Berkeley studying philosophy and creative writing before earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Cinema at the University of Southern California in 1972. He continued his education at the University of California, Los Angeles enrolling in the Master of Fine Arts program and received his graduate degree in motion picture production in 1975. The following year, he wrote, produced and directed his first film, Independence Day. His 1984 film Heartbreakers was entered into the 35th Berlin International Film Festival. In 1988, Roth wrote and directed the television film Dead Solid Perfect.