She was originally set to direct Some Kind of Wonderful (1987) for
writer/producer John Hughes, but dropped out a few weeks before
principal photography due to creative differences between her and
Hughes. Howard Deutch replaced her.
Teaches filmmaking at Chapman University in Orange, California.
To secure the directing gig for Valley Girl she had to promise the financiers that there would be nude breasts in four scenes.
Received her Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Rhode Island School of Design (1968).
Received her Master's degree in Fine Arts from New York University, Tisch School of the Arts.
Was member of the dramatic jury at the Sundance Film Festival in
1986.
Directed two Oscar nominated performances: Diane Ladd and Laura Dern.
President of the Director's Guild of America (DGA) (2002-2003).
Named her son after one of her idols, playwright and director Preston Sturges.