Moved frequently as a child due to father's military service

First credit as director of photography, "Underground U.S.A."

First collaboration with director Jim Jarmusch, "Permanent Vacation"

Feature debut as an actor, "Stranger Than Paradise" (also served as cinematographer)

Last collaboration with Jim Jarmusch, "Coffee and Cigarettes"

Wrote and performed a one man show, "Johnny Suede" at the Home for Contemporary Theater

Received a directing fellowship from The Sundance Institute on the strength of his screenplay for "Johnny Suede"

Feature directing and screenwriting debut, Johnny Suede" (adapted from his play)

Second film, "Living in Oblivion"