MERVYN CUMMING was Born in Belfast on the 18th of December 1943, Mervyn Cumming had a keen interest in drama from a young age. He studied English Literature and Drama at Leeds University, where he passed with B.A. Honours. Mervyn then taught English and Drama at Huddersfield College, before becoming Head of Drama at Garforth Comprehensive School, and later worked at York University Television Service and finally at Leeds Polytechnic Television Service. In 1972 he joined Yorkshire Television as a floor manager. Mervyn would work on shows such as 'Emmerdale Farm', where he worked his way through the jobs of floor manager, production manager, second and then first assistant director. It was a documentary called 'On The Road' that would become his first directing job after passing his directing Secondment in 1980.

Mervyn was soon given his first drama job when he began directing 'Emmerdale Farm', a show that he would work on until the mid-1990's, directing 140 episodes. Throughout the 1980's his directing credits included the soap opera 'Crossroads', the day-time serial 'Gems', and finally the popular drama 'EastEnders', which he would direct through to the 1990's. Mervyn began a long association with 'Coronation Street' in 1990, and he would stay with the show through to the next millennium. Other credits include 'Brookside', 'Family Affairs', and 'Byker Grove', the latter earning him a BAFTA Nomination in 2001 for Best Director of Children's Television.

During a career spanning over 30 years, Mervyn has directed over 480 episodes of Television. Mervyn has always felt very lucky to be involved in the industry, he feels that directing is the greatest-form of storytelling in existence. Mervyn's recent credits include 'Tanner', a feature film released in June 2007, a 30-minute documentary 'Dad's Army & Beyond: The Frank Williams Story' and the Short Film 'Murder By Appointment'. He will next be directing the documentary 'The Bolton Bullfrog'.

    IMDb - Link to Mervyn Cumming's Filmography

    Official Website - Link to Mervyn Cumming's Website

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