1999 was a good year for walking, some guy in China walked the wall, Ian Botham walked from John O Groats to Lands End and I launched my toolbox across a factory floor and walked away from a career in engineering. Armed with something to say I wrote my way into Manchester Metropolitan Film School and became fascinated by images, subtext and visually conveying emotion onto screen. The film bug bit and I swapped my pen for a camera.

After graduating from film school, I worked as a V.T Operator and Assistant Director on TV commercials until I got a break directing corporate videos and commercials for Nissan, Lacoste, John Lewis and British Gas. I became increasingly aware of how the industry was littered with frustrated writers and directors and how quickly dreams fade with long hours and freelance concern. I needed a calling card, one that would open doors and give me the opportunity to kick-start my own move into the competitive world of Television drama.

Unable to raise any funding I financed my ten minute short film Touch Down by selling my house and shot over three days on super 16mm. Touch Down went on to earn representation from the British Film Council at film festivals all over the world and opened a door at ITV.

I have now directed BAFTA and multi award winning episodes of Coronation Street and Emmerdale and recently moved onto direct medical dramas Holby City and Casualty.

See photos of celebrities before they hit the big-time.

Michael Lacey

Director

Writer

Producer