Roger Morris, Managing Director of Elstree Studios
“It was with great sadness that I heard that Nik Powell had died on Wednesday.
“I had worked with Nik on and off since his Virgin days with Richard Branson in 1973. Nik and Richard co-founded Virgin. Back then as an independent film director I was making music videos for Virgin and almost went into partnership with them for a film and video company. In the 80’s Nick now parted from Virgin and started Palace Pictures. I joined Palace in 1984. The films that Nik Powell and Steve Woolley made at Palace have become iconic, The Crying Game, Scandal, Mona Lisa and many others.
“In 1988, we set up the Powerstation for BSB, it was for its short life a very successful Music Channel, it had a great team of presenters including a newcomer Chris Evans. Nik was great at setting up a team. Many of the Palace Team have gone on to become well-known in the Film and TV industry including Robert Jones, Daniel Battsek, Norman Humphrey and many others, too many to mention.
“After the demise of Palace, Nik became head of the National Film & Television School, a role that he undertook with a passion, lifting the profile and aspirations at the NFTS to a new level, helping create a new stream of Film, TV and Animation talent, Directors, writers and cinematographers.
“It was a privilege to work with him, and for him and support him in his endeavours. I regard him as truly inspirational and a great loss to the Creative Industries and a great loss as a friend. My very best wishes go to his family at this sad time.”
Staff Reporter
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