One of Britain's most unique and influential Directors, Nicholas David Lean, talks to Scott Gentry about his upcoming projects.

It has been a busy year for Nicholas David Lean, first he wrote and Directed the superbly made feature Film "Dead End", starring Jamie Foreman and is now working on four new projects. 

Nicholas is currently working on two short features; but it`s the two main Films that have caught my eye. 

Nicholas will travelling back into the realms of Horror, to Direct "Mind Heist", a `Heist` movie with a twist and "Payback"; an adrenaline fuelled thrill ride set in Juarez, Mexico. 

On Thursday the 25th of April two thousand and thirteen, I spoke to Nicholas on his life and the contributions he has made to the British Film industry.

Scott: Good Afternoon Nicholas, many congratulations on "Dead End"! I understand you are starting some new projects at the moment?

Nicholas: Yeah, I'm producing two short Films and pushing forward two Films as well. I'm also producing a short Film for a close friend.

Scott: I have heard quite a bit about one feature called "Payback", Is that one of your upcoming features? If so, what is the story behind it?

Nicholas: Yes, it is. "Payback" follows an unassuming legal secretary who is given one hour to find $250 000, and prevent the execution of her husband and child, at the hands of her ex-lover. 

Scott: It sounds exciting! What certificate are you aiming for?

Nicholas: Exciting is a great word to describe it, "Payback" will be along the lines of Films such as "Man On Fire" and "Taken". When it comes to the age certificate, I think it will probably get an 18 rating. 

Scott: What is the other project?

Nicholas: Well, the other project is called "Mind Heist", which is more along the lines of Horror. 

Scott: Please tell me more about "Mind Heist"!

Nicholas: So, "Mind Heist" is a `Heist-Thriller`subversion into the Horror Genre. A five man S019 Specialist FirearmsTeam from the Metropolitan Police pursue the survivors of a botched Bank raid into the subterranean world of the city`s drainage and sewer system, only to discover several people have been killed and horribly mutilated. Realizing that their lives too are threatened by something in the darkness, the Unit race to escape the cavernous underworld.

Scott: That is definitely my type of Film! Where do you think you will be Filming these productions?

Nicholas: "Mind Heist" will be set in London, it is written specifically for that location. Although, if finance insists on `elsewhere` it could be shot anywhere! "Payback" is set in the city of Juarez, Mexico. 

Scott: The locations seem perfect for the productions. Could you tell me a bit about where you grew up and how you made the transition into Film Directing?

Nicholas: I originated from West London, but I moved to South Wales at a very young age. There, I lived on a Farm with my family; which has been in our family for generations. For the majority of my youth, I lived in Portsmouth, on the South Coast, but I left home at a young age. I've had many careers, including the Army, Police, Close Protection industries and Health clubs all over the world. 
In nineteen ninety seven, I began writing scripts for fun, and I gradually developed my scripts, time and time again. In two-thousand and eight, I got the idea to become a Director after a trip to Cannes.Since that time, I have amassed over 13 features and short Film scripts. 

Scott: Is it right that you nearly died in a car accident?

Nicholas: Yeah, on the M1, I had an engine disintegration  and my car blew up! I wasn`t injured as I moved out of the way just in time!

Scott: Will you be having any famous names for the productions?

Nicholas: It`s hard to say at this time. The London project`s cast hasn`t been set in stone or anything; but we are aiming for some large targets. It really all comes down to budget, and if we can secure the four-million pounds needed!

Scott: Would you say that you have a good relationship with the cast and crew members on set?

Nicholas: I like to think so, I try to treat everyone as an equally important team player whether it be the Director of Photograph or the guy who makes everyone coffee!

Scott: Do you have a favourite Film?

Nicholas: That`s a tough decision. I don`t really have a top favourite but I have a top three; "Lawrence Of Arabia", "Alien" and "Man On Fire".

Scott: Many thanks for your time Nicholas.

Nicholas: My pleasure!

To follow Nicholas on his adventures in Film-Making click on the links below, for Twitter and Facebook! Written by Scott Gentry. With thanks to Nicholas David Lean

https://twitter.com/Rasbenek

http://www.facebook.com/nicholas.d.lean

 Written by Scott Gentry, with thanks to Nicholas David Lean.