At age 18, took a year off school to paint in France

Worked for a local documentary unit at Britain's Granada TV

Joined the BBC in Southampton and made 30 "auteur documentaries" for TV

Made a name for himself directing music videos in Britain

Feature debut, "Backbeat"; also credited for screenplay

Directed first US-produced film "Hackers" (also executive producer)

Breakthrough feature "The Wings of the Dove"; based on the 1902 novel of the same name by Henry James

Directed Kevin Spacey in the sci-fi feature, "K-Pax"

Helmed the supernatural thriller, "Skeleton Key" with Kate Hudson, Gena Rowlands and John Hurt

Directed the fantasy film "Inkheart," which is based on the book of the same name