Raised in Uttoxeter, England

Began shooting videos with a borrowed camcorder, using his friends as actors

Formed Big Arty Productions

Made over 30 short films

Helmed the TV documentary "The Gypsy's Tale"

Produced (also edited, wrote, directed and acted) the 60-minute film "Small Time"

Made short film "Where's the Money, Ronny!"; caught the attention of producer Stephen Woolley

Feature directorial debut (also co-scripted) "TwentyFourSeven" starring Bob Hoskins and produced by Woolley

Signed to a two-picture deal with Company Pictures

Second feature, "A Room for Romeo Brass"; screened at Cannes (released theatrically in 2000)

Helmed a comedic homage to the Spaghetti Western genre, "Once Upon a Time in the Midlands"

Directed the thriller, "Dead Man's Shoes"

Wrote (also directed) a drama centred on young skinheads in early-1980s England, "This is England"