Would Alan Parker have made it today?

‘Hello, is that Paul?’

‘Yes’

‘This is Alan Parker. I’ve just read your new book. I thought it was terrific and I want to talk to you about it. Are you free for lunch next week?”

‘Yes!’, I practically yelled. The following week, I found myself sitting opposite one of my advertising and film-making heroes, the creator of magnificent films like Bugsy Malone, Midnight Express and Mississippi Burning.