Director Biographies

'07/05/09' by Mike Figgis

Mike Figgis has roots in experimental theatre and music, which are just two primary influences that contribute to the creative vision in all of his feature films and documentaries. In 1996 Figgis achieved international critical acclaim for his film 'LEAVING LAS VEGAS'. In 1999 'TIMECODE' marked a groundbreaking departure where he created a feature film shot entirely using four digital cameras in real time, featuring a host of acclaimed actors.

Apprentice filmaker, Mark Gillespie, was born and raised in Belfast, Mark first directed in 2002 at the National Youth Film School during their summer programme in Ireland. He graduated from the Arts Institute at Bournemouth in 2007 and currently lives in North London.

'Maybe One Day' by Rankin & Chris

From Dazed and Confused founder to celebrated photographer, publisher, and more recently film director, Rankin is recognised as one of the world's leading image-makers. His co-directing partner Chris Cottam has been working in television and film for the last fifteen years.

Apprentice filmaker, Alice Davies, is a visual artist and recently graduated from Camberwell College of Arts. After experimenting with moving image and projections during her degree Alice has started to concentrate further on film making, recently directing her first music video for 'The Pan I Am' through her picture company Machine Channel.

'Mariachi!' by Phil & Olly

Having met at Wimbledon College of Art, Phil Sansom and Olly Williams combined forces to direct under the Bowie inspired name, Diamond Dogs. They quickly established themselves as a versatile and dynamic duo making videos for bands including The Hoosiers and The Enemy.

Apprentice filmaker, Shola Amoo, is an independent filmmaker from South East London. He started his career producing and directing short documentaries. He now currently works producing and directing films and music videos as one half of the production company Lucid Visuals.

'The Miracle Mile' by James Lees

James Lees has established himself as one of the UK' s brightest new filmmaking talents, picking up a string of prestigious international awards. His films have been selected for the world's biggest independent film festival, the Sundance Film Festival and at festivals all over Europe and the States and as far afield as Mexico and Australia.

Apprentice filmaker, Mike Facey, is a young filmmaker from Exeter with a background in music journalism and graphic design. Recently graduating from the Metropolitan Film School based at Ealing Studios, Mike has directed two short films based on social realist issues with unique surrealist edges, showing a flair and attention to detail with lighting, camera movements and shot selection.