Photo: Steve Granitz © WireImage.com

Born in Providence, RI, of Norwegian immigrant parents; graduate of Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA. Was a fisherman in New Bedford, MA, as a short career until he decided to drive cross-country to Hollywood. Feature film writing credits include THE SERPENT AND THE EAGLE, GREEN ZONE and NOTTINGHAM (all scheduled for 2009), CIRQUE DU FREAK (scheduled for 2008), MAN ON FIRE (2004), MYSTIC RIVER (2003), THE ORDER (2003, also producer & director), BLOOD WORK (2002), A KNIGHT'S TALE (2001, also producer & director), PAYBACK (1999, also director), CONSPIRACY THEORY, L.A. CONFIDENTIAL (also co-producer), THE POSTMAN (all 1997), ASSASSINS (1995), HIGHWAY TO HELL (1992, also co-producer), 976-EVIL (1989), A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 4: THE DREAM MASTER (1988) and an episode of the 1987 TV series "Friday the 13th".  Best Achievement in Writing (Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published) 1997: L.A. CONFIDENTIAL (w. Curtis Hanson)  Nominated for Writing (Adapted Screenplay) 2003: MYSTIC RIVER 2 nominations, 1 Award