Studies at the University of Wisconsin; graduate work, London Film School. Remained in Europe, started a small production company making documentaries, shorts and television commercials; 1971, returned to the US to shoot and direct "17 Days Down the Line"; mid 1970s, began career as a television writer, working on "Police Story", the first episodes of "Starsky and Hutch" and "Vegas"; 1979, Director and Co-Writer, "The Jericho Mile", winning four Emmys and a Director's Guild Award for Best Director; 1981, theatrical film debut with "Thief"; 1983, followed with "The Keep"; 1986, Director, "Manhunter"; 1980s, continued in television with "Miami Vice" and "Crime Story"; Producer, 1990 Emmy-winning miniseries "Drug Wars: The Camarena Story"; Executive Producer, 1992 Emmy-nominated sequel "Drug Wars: The Cocaine Cartel"; 1992, Director, Co-Writer and Producer, "The Last of the Mohicans"; 1995, Writer and Director, "Heat"; 1999, Co-Writer, Director and Producer and Oscar nominee for "The Insider"; 2001, Director, Co-Writer and Producer, "Ali"; 2004, Director and Producer, "Collateral".