Denis Crossan BSC, was born in Glasgow, where he attended Glasgow School of Art, qualifying with a B.A.(hons) degree in graphic design before enrolling at the National Film and Television School Beaconsfield, graduating in 1984 to embark on a career in cinematography. Towards the end of his course at Beaconsfield he was asked to film a music video for Frankie Goes To Hollywood called "Relax", which was quickly followed by work for UB40, U2 and many others.