Joined BBC's graduate trainee program after graduation from Cambridge

From mid-1970s to mid-1980s produced and/or wrote more than 40 documentaries for the BBC

Wrote the TV drama "Shadowlands" (aired in USA in 1986), starring Claire Bloom and Joss Ackland

First feature screenplay, "New World"

Scripted the British TV drama "Life Story", shown in the USA as "Double Helix/The Search for the Double Helix" on A&E

Adapted "Shadowlands" for the stage; produced in London and NYC, starring Nigel Hawthorne

Wrote film version of the South African musical "Sarafina!"

Scripted the HBO TV-movie "A Private Matter"

Wrote the screenplay adaptation of "Shadowlands"; film starred Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger; Nicholson earned Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay

Co-wrote (with playwright Mark Handley) the screenplay for "Nell"

Scripted the HBO TV-movie "Crime of the Century", about the Lindbergh baby kidnapping case; garnered Emmy nomination

Feature directorial debut, "Firelight"; also wrote screenplay

Reteamed with Attenborough to pen "Grey Owl"

Contributed to the script of "Gladiator"; shared Best Original Screenplay Oscar nomination

Co-penned "Elizabeth: The Golden Age," a sequel to the award winning feature "Elizabeth"