David Leland

David Leland (born 20 April 1941) is an English film director, screenwriter and actor who came to international fame with his directorial debut Wish You Were Here in 1987. Life He initially trained as an actor at Central School of Speech and Drama. In 1963, he was part of the breakaway group of Central staff and students who formed Drama Centre London. After several small parts as actor he began his collaboration with British television director Alan Clarke in 1981. Their film Made in Britain was well received and featured the first screen role of actor Tim Roth. Made in Britain won the Prix Italia (an international Television award) in 1984. In 1986, Leland and director Neil Jordan co-wrote the screenplay for the thriller-drama Mona Lisa, featuring Bob Hoskins. With Jordan, he was nominated for BAFTA, Golden Globe and Writers Guild of America awards. He then wrote Personal Services in 1986. It was directed by Terry Jones and concerned Cynthia Payne, a real-life British madam who ran a private brothel. Julie Walters took the leading role. While Personal Services dealt with the adult life of Cynthia Payne, Leland's next film, Wish You Were Here, concerned her teenage years. This film was a success at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival and it made the young British actress Emily Lloyd a star. It was awarded the FIPRESCI-Award at Cannes and the BAFTA for best screenplay. In 1991, Leland directed the successful stage musical A Tribute to the Blues Brothers, which played on the West End and then toured for ten years in the UK and Australia.