Setting the scene

BIG break . . . Sophie Mercer plans to shoot a feature film in Oldham and Saddleworth

FROM a lucky acting break in a tv drama to fully-fledged film-maker, a former Saddleworth School pupil has come a long way in two years.

Sophie Mercer (21) discovered her passion for acting while studying performing arts at Oldham College.

After being plucked out of classes for a role in BBC school drama Waterloo Road, Sophie also worked as assistant director on the popular show.

Now she is taking the plunge and not only writing, but also directing and starring in a feature-length film, Keeping Secrets, to be filmed in the borough.

Sophie, of Oldham Road, Springhead, said: “I was never into writing at school but I started penning a few short films and then it just snowballed.”

The ambitious project will see her team up with fellow ex-Saddleworth School pupil Seth Elkins (27), an established producer she befriended on the Waterloo Road set.

The hard-hitting drama will follow the main character Lauren, played by Sophie, on her release from prison and her desperate attempts to hide a dark secret.

But it’s not all red carpet glitz and Hollywood dreams for Sophie, who is currently studying at the Manchester School of Acting.

She said: “It’s a tough industry to break into, I was one of the lucky ones, there are so many people that just want to be famous. It is part of who I am but it is hard work, I’ve spent hours and hours and sleepless nights trying to get the first script finished.”

The project will be shot at various locations in Manchester, Oldham and Saddleworth and she has already confirmed some well-known television faces to star in it.

Working in her words on a “beg, steal or borrow” budget, the pair are looking for local businesses to invest or provide filming locations around Oldham and Saddleworth.

Currently on the wish-list are a pub and hairdressing salon.

The finished project will then be entered into several film festivals.

It is a project Sophie is eager to see succeed and be commissioned for television, helping her get another foot on the ladder to achieve a life as a professional actress.

But for now her plans are to fulfil a lifelong dream.

She added: “I would love to be in films eventually, but at the moment my ambition is to be a regular in Emmerdale.

“I’ve grown up with it and I am a die-hard fan — that would be a dream for me.”

To get involved in the project or audition for a cameo role email Sophie on keepingsecretsmovie@live.co.uk.