Upon graduating high school, Thompson joined the Air Force where he served as a motion picture editorial specialist,[1] director and producer.
In the 1972, Thompson partnered with Russell Doughten to form the Christian film company Mark IV Pictures.
[2]: 577-578 Thompson wrote and directed 12 feature-length motion pictures, including the prophecy series that began with A Thief in the Night.
[2]: 355 Doughten retained Mark IV Pictures, while Thompson signed on with American Media in Des Moines.
Harry Bristow of the Christian Film Distributors Association calls him "the finest director in the industry.