Collins was born in London, and began directing for the stage, including productions of Fata Morgana, No Man's Land, and Tarnish.

In 1921, he married actress Betty Ross Clarke[1] and accompanied her in her theatrical career in Great Britain, the United States, and Australia.

He served in the RAAF during World War II, being discharged as a squadron leader.

[6][7] In 1947 Collins managed to source funding to make another movie, Strong Is the Seed (1949).

[9] In 1950, Collins travelled to New Zealand where he produced the musical comedy Chu Chin Chow for the Christchurch Operatic Society to favourable reviews.