Stephen Kay

Born: New Jersey, USA

The writer and director is probably best known for the critically-panned American remake of Get Carter with Sylvester Stallone.

After graduating from Brown University, he attended the American Film Institute and kicked off his cinema career as an actor.

He had minor roles in The Zero Boys and Lethal Weapon 3 before switching to directing with the short Two Over Easy in 1994.

After the movie landed three Cable Ace Awards, he made his feature debut with the 1997 drama The Last Time I Committed Suicide with Keanu Reeves.

Next up was his ill-advised remake of British film noir Get Carter but he bounced back with gritty American TV cop series The Shield.

Subsequent work included the TV drama Wasted with Nick Stahl and the comedy short Static in 2003.

In 2005, he directed the Sam Raimi-produced horror yarn Boogeyman with Lucy Lawless and Barry Watson.