Home-grown director’s red carpet premiere

AN Oldham film director will walk the red carpet tonight for the premiere of his movie that will go head-to-head with Hollywood blockbusters.

Former Oldham College film and media student Adam Lee Hamilton co-directed Julius Caesar, which hits the big screen with a special cast and crew premiere at Manchester’s The Printworks.

Mr Hamilton, who grew-up in Royton, made his feature-film directorial-debut for The Co-operative British Youth Film Academy (BYFA) — a film-making co-operative based in the North West that has received £500,000 support from Manchester-based The Co-operative Group to inspire the next generation of movie-makers.

The movie is a hard-hitting and gritty adaptation of William Shakespeare’s epic tale of conspiracy, loyalty and betrayal.

Filmed last summer on location in Wolverhampton, it will now stand reel-to-reel with Hollywood blockbusters at international film-festivals before general release.

The 30-year-old freelance editor and director, who has been involved in three BYFA productions, said: “I always wanted to be involved in film but it is a notoriously difficult industry to break in to.

“BYFA gives 14-25 year olds the opportunity to learn the trade and express themselves — take creative risks in a safe environment. It is fantastic to work with the students, they have so much heart and passion.

“It is a platform for young talent — some don’t even realise that they have got talent and ability but when you show them the possibilities it is amazing to see the change in them. To see the film on the big-screen is a proud moment for me, not least because it showcases the achievements of the young people involved in all aspects of its production.”