Paul Weiland facts for kids

Paul Weiland OBE (born 11 July 1953) is an English director, writer, and producer. He is well-known for making TV commercials in the UK. He has created over 500 commercials, including a very popular series for Walkers crisps.

Weiland has also directed several British TV shows. These include Alas Smith and Jones (1989–1992) and Mr. Bean (1991–1992). His movies include Made of Honor (2008) and Sixty Six (2006). He also directed Blackadder: Back & Forth (1999) and City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly's Gold (1994).

Growing Up in London

Paul Weiland grew up in the Southgate area of London, England. He went to De Bohun's school. When he was 17, he left school. He first worked as a messenger. Later, he became a copywriter, which means he wrote text for advertisements.

Paul Weiland's Career

Making TV Commercials

Paul Weiland started his career by directing British TV commercials. He has made more than 500 commercials in total. His most famous advertising work was for Walkers crisps.

These commercials featured many famous people. Some stars included English football player Gary Lineker and boxer Lennox Lewis. Even Victoria Beckham appeared in them. These ads became very popular in Britain. Weiland once said that people wanted to be in them.

Weiland owns a company called The Paul Weiland Film Company. He became very successful from his work on commercials. In the 1990s, his company won the top British TV Awards for five years in a row.

Directing Mr. Bean

Between 1991 and 1992, Weiland directed several episodes of the TV show Mr. Bean. This show starred Rowan Atkinson. Mr. Bean is a very funny comedy series.

In 2005, The Times newspaper wrote about Weiland. They said he made millions of people laugh. This was thanks to his work on Mr. Bean and Alas Smith and Jones.

Directing City Slickers II

In 1994, Weiland directed another movie. It was City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly's Gold. This film starred Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern, and Jon Lovitz. It was a follow-up to the popular 1991 movie City Slickers.

In the movie, Billy Crystal's character finds a treasure map. He then goes on an adventure with his friends. They search for gold in the Arizona desert.

Directing Blackadder: Back & Forth

In 2001, Weiland worked with Rowan Atkinson again. He directed him in the British TV film Blackadder: Back & Forth. This movie is a comedy about time travel. Atkinson's character, Lord Blackadder, uses a time machine.

He travels to different times in history. These include the Jurassic period and Sherwood Forest. He also visits the Battle of Waterloo. Other famous actors like Miranda Richardson and Hugh Laurie were in the film. Weiland was nominated for a BAFTA TV Award for directing this movie.

Directing Sixty-Six

Weiland's 2006 movie, Sixty Six, is a comedy-drama. It is based on a true story from Weiland's own life. The movie is about his bar mitzvah party. This party happened on the same night as a big football game.

That night, England won against West Germany. This was in the 1966 FIFA World Cup final. Because of the football match, many guests did not come to the bar mitzvah. Only a few people showed up. The movie received good reviews.

Directing Made of Honor

Weiland directed the 2008 movie Made of Honor. This film was the last screen appearance for actor Sydney Pollack.

Awards and Achievements

Paul Weiland has won several important awards. He won a BAFTA Award. This was for his work on The Storyteller: The Three Ravens.

He also received the President's Award for Lifetime Achievement. This award came from the Design & Art Directors Association. In 1983, he was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Short Film. This was for directing a film called Keep Off the Grass.

Paul Weiland's Family Life

Paul Weiland is married to Caroline Weiland. They have four children together. One of their children is Hannah Weiland.

Movies Directed by Paul Weiland

Here are some of the movies Paul Weiland has directed:

• Leonard Part 6 (1987)
• Bernard and the Genie (1991)
• City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly's Gold (1994)
• Roseanna's Grave (1997)
• Blackadder: Back & Forth (1999, short film)
• Sixty Six (2006)
• Made of Honor (2008)