Burdis started acting at eleven years old when he attended drama school and trained at the Anna Scher Theatre in Islington, Greater London.
He had played the same role two years earlier in a BBC television version of the story, although this was not transmitted until 1991 due to its graphic nature, hence the cinematic re-make.
He also created, co-wrote, produced, directed, and starred in the television police fly on the wall docu-comedy Operation Good Guys for three series.
[11] In 2013, Burdis wrote and directed the film, The Wee Man starring Martin Compston and John Hannah, which won two Scottish BAFTAs.
The film attracted negative reviews, Steve Rose noted "nothing really convinces or makes sense in this corny, amateurish nostalgia trip",[15] Mark Kermode described it as "a bunch of second stringers from Quadrophenia doing sub Guy Ritchie schtick",[16] and before it went into production, Roger Daltrey slammed it as "a blatant money making exercise.
[19][20] He has completed the film Miss the Kiss, starring Charlie Clapham, John Hannah, and Martin Kemp, which is currently in post-production.
In November 2024, Burdis admitted that he regretted "glamourising" Ronnie and Reggie Kray and was developing a new film to portray them as the thugs they were.