Eager to continue his career as a filmmaker, he worked behind the scenes in television to build up contacts and in-kind support to continue building his portfolio.  

While working at Mersey TV on a popular teen soap entitled, "Hollyoaks," Nicolas approached one of the producers and presented him with his short, "The Greek man from Pakistan." This went down impressively and consequently, Nicolas was given the opportunity to shoot a short film using the company's resources as part of a training weekend.
 
Nicolas, an entry level technical assistant, had now been given the power and authority from the top to make his own production with the help of all departments.  

The film was entitled "Just Plump," a light hearted comedy about a young man who tries to overcome his shameful lust for bigger and older women. The film, 6 min long, was shot in one day in several different locations. "Just Plump" was screened at the 'Salford Film Festival' in 2004 in the high-budget section as well as on 'Channel M' along with "The Greek man from Pakistan." 

Having two professional shorts in his portfolio on S16mm and digi-beta, Nicolas still needed more diversity in his work in order to establish himself. He missed the aesthetic look of film but still didn't have the luxury of a huge budget to work with.

Nevertheless, he decided to push forward by being technically creative and by using industry contacts and relationships.