Alex Kurtzman

ALEX KURTZMAN is one of the leading filmmakers working in the industry today, having started his production company K/O Paper Products with partner Roberto Orci after a working partnership of 20 years.

Kurtzman and Orci began their career writing for the popular television series "Hercules" and "Xena: Warrior Princess," where they quickly became head writers at the age of 23. Next, they wrote for J.J. Abrams' "Alias" and eventually served as co-executive producers on the show.

The duo made their feature-film screenwriting debut with Michael Bay's sci-fi thriller "The Island," followed by "The Legend of Zorro" in 2005. In 2006, they re-teamed with Abrams to write the third installment of "Mission: Impossible," which was embraced by critics for adding depth and humanity to the series and grossed over $397 million worldwide. In 2007, the pair wrote "Transformers."

After signing a feature film deal with DreamWorks Studios, Kurtzman and Orci produced the 2008 thriller "Eagle Eye." 2009 was a momentous year as they were involved in writing or producing some of the year's biggest films. Kurtzman and Orci, along with scribe Ehren Kruger, wrote the "Transformers" sequel. The pair also wrote and executive-produced "Star Trek," which has grossed over $385 million worldwide. The WGA recognized their work with a Best Adapted Screenplay nomination. Their novelization of the film was a New York Times bestseller. Additionally, they executive-produced the romantic laugher, "The Proposal" as well as co-creating the television series "Fringe" with J.J. Abrams.

In 2010, the duo launched "Hawaii Five-0" on CBS to positive reviews and ratings. Along with writer/producer Peter Lenkov, Kurtzman and Orci revamped the classic series, which stars Alex O'Loughlin, Scott Caan, Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park. Also on their TV slate is "Transformers: Prime," an original computer-animated series for The Hub, the Discovery/Hasbro kids' cable channel.

In the fall of 2010, Kurtzman and Orci wrapped production on the comic book adaptation of "Cowboys and Aliens," which they wrote with scribe Damon Lindelof as well as produced. Jon Favreau directed the film, which stars Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford. It was released in July 2011.

Also in the beginning of 2011, Kurtzman and Orci signed a three-year overall television deal with 20th Century Fox. The last two TV development seasons have been remarkably busy, as the duo has set up pilots at FOX, CBS, and ABC Networks.

Through their production company, K/O Paper Products, Kurtzman and Roberto Orci continue to produce a growing slate of movies and television.

© 2012 DreamWorks Pictures