Xu Wei/ Shanghai Daily news

Curtis Hanson is acclaimed as one of the most versatile talents in Hollywood.

A former photographer, freelance writer of film articles and a film magazine editor, director Hanson also demonstrates a passion and flair for screen writing.

The crime drama "L.A. Confidential" by him was nominated for nine Academy Awards and won two, with Hanson and Brian Helgeland honored for Best Adapted Screenplay.The veteran film maker is in town as a guest for a week-long film workshop.