As of 2024, she teaches producing at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, and formerly taught a similar class at the American Film Institute (AFI).
[5] A New Jersey native, Baum is a graduate of Columbia High School in Maplewood, and New York University, where she majored in sociology.
On 16 January 2024, Baum gave a talk with journalist Janet Maslin after a screening of her movie Dead Ringers, at which she said of actor Sydney Sweeney, "Explain this girl to me.
[7] This conversation went viral in publications including Vanity Fair, The New York Post, LA Times, and The Guardian, in which journalist Barbara Allen said, "What depressing nonsense, not to mention dire optics.
"[9] In the same week, the story had over 16 million hits on Google with thousands of comments supporting Sweeney and attacking Baum, including a long comment by producer Teddy Schwarzman on Twitter, who said, "I'll enlighten Ms. Baum that two-time Emmy nominee Sydney Sweeney is not only one of the most talented actresses I've worked with, but also incredibly smart, kind and humble.