Had first experience working on student films

Had paying job on a film working as a go-fer on "Revolution"

Studied at the American Film Institute

Worked as assistant to director Zelda Barron on "Shag"

Returned to Great Britain

Was assistant director on "Venus Peter"

Served as location assistant or location manager on "The Big Man" (1990) and "The Long Day Closes" (1991) as well as the TV series "The Advocates" and "Taggart"

Met future collaborator John Hodge at the Edinburgh Film Festival

Began making short films as both producer and director, including "Doctor Reitzer's Fragment" (1991)

Collaborated with brother Kevin on the seven-part Scottish TV series "Shadowing"

Established Figment Films

Feature debut as producer, "Shallow Grave"; first collaboration with director Danny Boyle, screenwriter John Hodge and actor Ewan McGregor

Produced Boyle's second feature "Trainspotting"; scripted by Hodge and starring McGregor

Reteamed with Boyle, Hodge and McGregor for the disappointing "A Life Less Ordinary"

Joined with Duncan Kenworthy as partner in DNA Films

Reteamed with Boyle as producer of "The Beach", starring Leonardo DiCaprio

With Kenworthy, was producer of "Strictly Sinatra" and "The Final Curtain"