Birthplace: Salford, Lancashire, England, United Kingdom
biography
Noted for his film style – in which the commonplace was often tinged with the extraordinary – filmmaker Mike Leigh’s process involved improvisational workshops and rehearsals with his actors, often done weeks before a single frame was even shot. The British writer-director worked on stage and in television projects before making a name for himself with critically-lauded films such as “Naked” (1993), “Life is Sweet” (1991), and “Secrets and Lies” (1996). With his highly personal projects, Leigh depicted the uneventful lives of ordinary people, yet presented them with plot twists, deep character
Spent one year as assistant stage manager and bit part actor
1965
Wrote and directed first play, "The Box Play," which was produced at Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham
1965
Associate director of the Midlands Arts Centre Theatre
1966
Formed Dramagraph production company with author David Halliwell; produced Halliwell's play, "Little Malcolm and His Struggle Against the Eunuchs" (Leigh directed); company went bankrupt
Joined the Royal Shakespeare Company as an assistant director
