In discussing the process with the actors, I made it clear to them that they could improvise but that the sum total of their improvisation needed to impart certain plot points, and schematic material.

He initially made a splash in America in the 1990s with the gritty thriller Internal Affairs that helped to revive the career of Richard Gere. In 2008 Figgis was called upon by Transport for London to help shoot a PIF entitled A Little Thought From Each of Us A Big Difference For Everyone encouraging more considerate behaviour on London's public transport systems which was then shown in London cinemas. Personal life
Figgis was born in Carlisle England and grew up in Africa.

Michael "Mike" Figgis (born 28 February 1948) is an English film director writer and composer.