J.J. Abrams

Made his feature-film directorial debut with Mission: Impossible 3 starring Tom Cruise

Created and served as executive producer of the ABC drama Lost ; also wrote and directed episodes; earned a Golden Globe (2005)nomination for Best Drama series

Executive produced the hit ABC series Alias ; also directed and wrote episodes

Produced the thriller Joyride (filmed in 1999); also co-wrote screenplay

Co-scripted the summer hit Armageddon

With Reeves, co-created and served as executive producer of the TV series Felicity (The WB); also directed episodes

Produced first film under Abrams/Katims/Webster, The Pallbearer , directed by Matt Reeves

Executive produced and wrote Forever Young , starring Mel Gibson

Co-produced, wrote and played bit in feature Regarding Henry

Wrote first screenplay, Taking Care of Business with Jill Mazursky

At age 13, met future collaborator Matt Reeves

At age eight, began making Super 8mm movies

Formed production company with Jason Katims and Paul Webster

Raised in L.A.

Will helm the next Star Trek feature that will reportedly focus on the early days of Kirk and Spock and their first outer-space mission