Born and raised in Tennessee

While attending Duke, started a record company, with himself as the only client

Briefly worked at Opryland in Tennessee

Moved to Los Angeles

Began writing novels

Wrote first screenplay, the unproduced "Bully Brigade"

Landed job at Stephen Cannell Productions

Was co-producer and story editor for "J.J. Starbuck" (NBC)

Created and wrote premiere of "Sonny Spoon" (NBC) (also series co-producer)

Co-produced and wrote busted pilot "Thunder Boat Row"

Wrote premiere of "Broken Badges" (CBS); also served as co-executive producer

Feature screenwriting debut, "Braveheart"

Made feature directorial debut with remake of "The Man in the Iron Mask"

Penned the script for the big budget epic "Pearl Harbor"

Wrote and directed "We Were Soldiers", a Vietnam War drama starring Mel Gibson