Moved to California to study at UCLA’s Film School

Worked as art director on "Mr. Destiny," a movie about a former baseball player who gets a second chance

Served as production designer for such films as "Tombstone" (1993) starring Kurt Russell, "Mad City" (1997) starring John Travolta and "The Newton Boys" (1998) starring Matthew McConaughey

Was a production designer for "Vanilla Sky" starring Tom Cruise

Made directorial debut with "Thirteen"; co-written with Nikki Reed, who also starred in the film; earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best First Screenplay

Directed the fictionalized version of "Lords of Dogtown," based on skate legends Jay Adams, Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta and inspired by the popular documentary "Dogtown and Z-Boys"; penned by Stacy Peralta

Directed the biblical film "The Nativity Story" with Keisha Castle-Hughes as the Virgin Mary

Directed the film adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's bestselling book, "Twilight"