Birthplace: Letchworth, Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom
biography
Born and raised in Hertfordshire, England, director Simon West began his career in 1981 when he joined the BBC as an apprentice film editor. During his four-year tenure there, he worked on a number of award-winning productions, including the documentary "Strangeways Prison" and the dramatic series "Bleak House" (both of which won BAFTA Awards). A 1985 grant from the British Arts Council enabled West to make his first short "Dolly Mixtures", which in turn led to a contract with Limelight London to direct music videos and commercials. Soon after winning the Best Video prize at the 1987 Montreux