Simon West

Simon West (born 1961) is an English film director. West started as an assistant film editor with the BBC, then directed documentaries and commercials including many for Budweiser. His film directing career started when he directed Con Air in 1997. 2Early life and career Born in Letchworth, Hertfordshire, West began his career in 1981 when he became an assistant film editor with the BBC in London. His heart wasn't in film editing, so he left the BBC after four years to become a freelance director. West's career took off in 1985 when he was awarded a grant from the Arts Council of Great Britain to write and direct the film entitled Dolly Mixtures. He was subsequently signed to Limelight London to direct music videos and commercials. In 1987 he won Best Video at the Montreux Music Festival for Mel and Kim's Respectable. He also directed the video for Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" in the same year. With a flourishing commercial career, West relocated to Los Angeles offices of Limelight in 199