Raised in New Zealand

TV writing debut the TV-movie "A Woman of Good Character"

Assisted in post-production with Peter Jackson's "Bad Taste"

Co-wrote first film with Peter Jackson, "Meet the Feebles"

First major hit, "Heavenly Creatures"; received Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay, co-written with Jackson

Was associate producer and co-writer of "The Frighteners"

With Jackson and Philippa Boyens, adapted J.R.R. Tolkein's classic fantasy novel "The Lord of the Rings" as three separate films to be released over a three-year period; also served as a producer

"The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" released; film received 13 Academy Award nominations including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay

Second film in trilogy, "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" released

Third film in trilogy, "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King"