Worked with director John Carpenter on many of his early films, and was
even serving as producer on the remake of his film The Fog (1980).
One of Hollywood's best-known and popular female producers.
Was honored by Women in Film in 2003.
Was an avid environmentalist.
Was a member of both the Producers Guild of America and the executive
committee of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' producers
branch.
Started as a production assistant on adventure documentaries, and progressed through script supervisor, assistant director and second unit director to writer-producer.
Was member of the dramatic jury at the Sundance Film Festival in
1989.