All of his productions to date have made their money back, most have been critically well received and several have won awards. He is also an author and has run several successful businesses in the hospitality/tourism industry.He entered the film industry in 1970 with his first film project, the story of Breaker Morant, during which he learnt the basics of filmmaking in the war zones of Rhodesia where he shot most of the film. At the Sydney Film Festival in 1975 he gained his first recognition by winning Best Documentary for 'The Breaker'.It took him three years to write, produce and direct his first feature film 'Hostage'. Next he directed 'The Surfer' which was selected for Directors Fortnight in Cannes, then 'Fatal Sky' in 1989 and 'Hurrah' in 1997. 'The Finder' is 'Shields' fifth feature film.