Melvin Kenneth "Mel" Smith (3 December 1952 – 19 July 2013) was an English comedian, writer, film director, producer and actor.
Blackball is a 2003 British sports comedy film.
 Tim Firth wrote the screenplay, and it was directed by Mel Smith.
 Its fictional plot is based on the bowls player Griff Sanders.

Question: When was the director of Blackball born? 
Answer: 3 December 1952