Conversation so far:
what happened to Gus van sant in 1982?
1982–1989: Early career
what did Gus Van sant do with Ken Shapiro?
Gus Van Sant secured a job as a production assistant to filmmaker Ken Shapiro, with whom he developed a few ideas, none of which came to fruition.
did Gus Van Sant stay working with Ken Shapiro?
Gus Van Sant went to New York to work in an advertising agency.
was the movie mala noche by Gus van sant popular?
The film earned Gus Van Sant almost overnight acclaim on the festival circuit, with the Los Angeles Times naming it the year's best independent film.

Question: what else did he play a .part in making?
Self-contained rewrite: what else did Gus Van Sant play a part in making besides Mala Noche?