Marcus Nispel

Born: 1964
Where: Frankfurt, Germany

The German director made music videos before helming his first feature - the remake of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

He started his career in advertising as an art director in Frankfurt before coming to America on a Fulbright scholarship in 1984 at the age of 20.

Nispel made his directing debut in 1989 with a series of music videos for C&C Music Factory.

Early work for Nispel - who has won four MTV Awards - also included videos for Faith No More and Design of a Decade for Janet Jackson.

Industry rumour has it he was offered the director's role for Arnold Schwarzenegger's End of Days before it was given to Peter Hyams.

His first feature - produced by Michael Bay - is the remake of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.