Served as a Peace corps volunteer in Bolivia

Worked at KCET-TV, the Los Angeles public affiliate; began as mailroom clerk; later became director, producer and writer

Pioneered the presentation of rock music performances for the station's cultural department

Served as an investigative reporter in the station's news division; won two Emmys for his work

Produced the concert special "Bonnie Raitt and Paul Butterfield" for PBS

Formed the production company New Visions Inc. with partner, entertainment lawyer Stuart Benjamin

Worked as director, producer and writer for Hackford-Litman Films in Los Angeles

Filmmaking debut, wrote, produced and directed the Oscar-winning short, "Teenage Father"

Feature directing debut, "The Idolmaker" starring Ray Sharkey

Directed first hit film, "An Officer and a Gentleman"

Feature producing debut, "Against All Odds"; also directed

Met future wife, Helen Mirren, during the filming of "White Nights"

First feature produced, without also directing, "La Bamba"

Directed the feature-length music documentary "Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll!"

Merged his company with New Century Entertainment to form New Century/New Visions

Feature debut as executive producer, "Rooftops"

Produced the music documentary special "Rick Nelson: It's All Right Now" for The Nashville Network

New Visions Pictures dissolved

Refocused on directing with "Bound by Honor," depicting gang wars in Californian jails during the 1980s

Directed the feature film adaptation of Stephen King's "Dolores Claiborne"

Produced the documentary, "When We Were Kings," about the famous 'Rumble in the Jungle' heavyweight championship match between Ali and Foreman

Directed "The Devil's Advocate," with Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino

Produced and directed "Proof of Life," starring Meg Ryan and Russell Crowe

Produced and directed "Ray," the story of legendary blues singer Ray Charles, starring Jamie Foxx in the title role; earned Golden Globe and Oscar nominations for Best Picture; also earned an Oscar nomination for Best Director; nominated by the Directors Guild of America for Outstanding Directorial Achievement