Worked as a commercial fisherman in New Bedford, MA in the early 1980s; changed career path "following a big storm at sea on Thanksgiving, 1985"

Moved to Los Angeles

First feature as screenwriter, Renny Harlin's "A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master"

Wrote script for Robert Englund's "976-Evil"

Received first solo screenwriting credit for "Highway to Hell"

First association with Richard Donner on "Assassins"

TV directing debut, episode entitled "A Slight Case of Murder", which he also wrote, for HBO's "Tales From the Crypt" series

Sole credited writer on Donner's "Conspiracy Theory"

Adapted James Elroy's acclaimed crime saga into "L.A. Confidential" (shared screenwriting credit with director Curtis Hanson); received Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay

With Eric Roth, co-wrote screen adapation of "The Postman", directed by and starring Kevin Costner

Continued association with Donner writing screenplay for "Lethal Weapon 4", starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover

Feature directing debut, "Payback", starring Gibson and Maria Bello; also scripted; reportedly lost final cut to Gibson who shot new footage

Wrote and directed the medieval action adventure "A Knight's Tale"

Penned the script for the crime thriller "Blood Work," directed by and starring Clint Eastwood

Wrote and directed "The Order" originally titled "Sin Eater"

Wrote the adaption for Clint Eastwood's "Mystic River"; received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Screenplay; received an Academy Award nomination for Best Screenplay