Weymouth provides the backdrop for a new film made by a student filmmaker from the town - and a prestigious premiere at the British Film Institute in London awaits.

Katie Saunders commutes every day from Weymouth to London South Bank University, where she is in her final year of a BA in Film Practice.

"Taking the train every day is still cheaper than renting in London," Katie said. "And the people in Weymouth are so much nicer than up there."

Her latest film - which she wrote, directed and produced - is 'Tête-à-tête', a comedy short about a blind date that goes awry when it gets crashed by one of the daters' friends. The main action was shot at Seabeats restaurant on the seafront, while the film ends with a sequence shot at Fantasy Island amusement park at Bowleaze Cove.

The film will be screened at the BFI on June 7, and after this prestigious close to her studies. Katie is hopeful of a career in the industry.But rather than moving away to London, as many in her position would, Katie is looking to stay in the town where she has lived since she was 14. She said she was hoping to set up an in-house film production company with other Weymouth-based filmmakers."We want to stay local. We think Weymouth has a lot of potential," she said.

Katie is now looking for contributions from businesses and individuals who would like to support local talent.

"The locations we've used will feature in our credits," she explained. "So if there are any local businesses that would like to make a contribution then we would love to get involved."

For individuals, she added, an Indiegogo fundraising page was available, where donations can be made to support production costs.

"We have a budget of [only] £2000, and that includes accommodation, food and travel expenses for the actions, location expenses, food for extras, props and costume," Katie said, adding that donations would also go towards entry fees for film festivals.

"After post-production we will also be entering the film festivals so the money helps towards the entry fees of these too!" she said. Donors will receive rewards ranging from shout-outs on social media to a special 'bloopers' copy of the film. For more information, or to donate, go to https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/tete-a-tete#/