Raised in Indiana

Worked as a film critic for a local NBC affiliate

Wrote for the local TV show "Beyond Our Control"

Met future partner Scott Alexander while at USC

Sold first screenplay co-written with Scott Alexander, "Homewreckers"; never produced

First produced screenplay written with Scott Alexander, "Problem Child"

Had first critical success with "Ed Wood"; co-written with Alexander

Won critical and popular acclaim with the controversial "The People vs. Larry Flynt", directed by Milos Forman; co-penned with Alexander

With Alexander, made co-directorial debut with "Screwed", also co-scripted (released theatrically in 2000)

Pair reteamed with Forman to script biopic of Andy Kaufman "Man on the Moon"

Co-wrote the teen adventure, "Agent Cody Banks"

With Alexander, adapted a Stephen King short story called "1408"