Raised in Bethpage, NY on Long Island

While a college freshman, worked in trailer department at United Artists (date approximate)

Formed own company to do trailers, Utopia Productions

Directed first feature-length documentary, "Black Rodeo"

Sold Utopia Productions; used profits to produce feature films

First feature film as director-writer-editor released, "Natural Enemies"

Served as editor on "Ordinary People" for Robert Redford

Directed box office smash, "Revenge of the Nerds"

Made TV directorial debut, episode of "Alfred Hitcock Presents"

Directed "Tough Guys" reuniting Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas

Directed box office bomb, "V.I. Warshawski"

Directed episodes of the CBS series "Touched by an Angel"

Directed the film "Babiy Yar" about the horrific events which occured in Kiev during WWII

Directed Cameron Douglas in the romantic comedy "Adam and Eve"