Born in Birmingham, the son of a barrister, he read English at Cambridge University (where he joined the Footlights) after which he worked in television advertising and then joined the London Film-Makers' Cooperative. Prior to joining Granada Television he was a film tutor at the Bath Academy of Art. As well as working on Coronation Street for Granada, he also directed Crown Court, Strangers, House of Caradus and Lady Killers. After turning freelance, he worked on Brookside, EastEnders, The South Bank Show and Eldorado. He then turned to lecturing in media studies courses at Coventry University and many others across the country.