Worked as a freelance journalist for British newspapers The Independent and the London Sunday Times after completing his English degree at Cambridge University

Joined the diplomatic corps, but was required to wait a year after passing foreign service exams before beginning tenure

While waiting for clearance to join diplomatic corps, began collaborating with older brother Paul on a screenplay

With Paul, worked on the screenplay for the children's film "Madeline," produced by uncle Pancho Kohner

Along with brother and Todd Alcott, credited for the screenplay of the animated comedy "Antz"

Co-wrote (with brother) an episode of the ABC remake of the series "Fantasy Island"

Produced the teen comedy "American Pie," directed by brother; reportedly co-directed

Co-starred opposite Mike White in "Chuck & Buck," directed by Miguel Arteta; screened at Sundance Film Festival

Reteamed with brother Paul to co-direct "Down to Earth," a remake of "Heaven Can Wait" starring Chris Rock; also contributed to the screenplay

Along with brother Paul and Peter Hedge wrote "About a Boy"; received an Oscar nomination for Adapted Screenplay

Will direct the film version of Philip Pullman's popular children's fantasy series "His Dark Materials" (lensed 2005)

Acted in "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

Produced "American Dreamz" a political satire helmed by his brother Paul Weitz

Wrote and directed an adaptation of the first book of His Dark Materials trilogy, "The Golden Compass"