As a child, made Super 8 movies

After college, promised parents to attend USC as a joint film and law student; met Alan J. Pakula at a party

Began showbiz career as assistant to director Alan J. Pakula on "Comes a Horseman" (1978)

First credit, as associate producer on the Pakula-directed comedy "Starting Over"

Scouted Europe looking for an actress to star in "Sophie's Choice"; recommended Magda Vasaryova; financing fell through; Meryl Streep later cast in the title role of the 1982 feature

Formed Red Wagon Entertainment

Debut as producer, the Mike Nichols-directed "Working Girl"; received Best Picture Oscar nomination

Reteamed with Nichols for "Wolf"

Produced the teen supernatural drama "The Craft"

Had misstep with "Hush", starring Jessica Lange and Gwyneth Paltrow

Enjoyed box-office and critical success with the family film "Stuart Little" and the grittier "Girl, Interrupted"

Produced the epic "Gladiator"; earned Best Picture Academy Award

Was producer on "Spy Game"

Produced the sequel "Stuart Little 2"

Served as a producer on the film adaptation of the best-selling novel "Memoirs of a Geisha" (lensed 2002)