Laurie Knight(1921-2004)

Lawrie decided to get into films while floating in a life raft in World War II. there was a newspaper in the raft with an article about the man who discovered the star Leslie Howard. When demobbed, lawrie presented himself to this man, looking for work. The man was unemployed himself and couldn't help. Appearing at Pinewood Studios, Lawrie introduced himself and was mistaken for the respected Commander Knight, and was able to get a meeting with the head of the studio. This resulted in his being taken on as an assistant, and his film career began. When work in films began to dry up, Lawrie moved into advertising, enjoying a long and successful career as a producer and director of commercials. His last film job was as director of Films of Scotland, the first organisation for the promotion of filmmaking in Scotland. Lawrie described this as "the worst job I ever had." Though many of his filmmaking dreams remained unfulfilled, Lawrie brought joy and inspiration to those who knew him, as an educator, raconteur, and friend. He will be missed.