A YOUNG Dorset film student is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his heroes and become a director of photography.

Harry Davidge, 17, said he had experienced one incredible year, after getting a distinction star in a film and TV diploma at Weymouth College, attending a prestigious film academy, spending two days working with the BBC on-set and attending two film festivals.

The Chickerell student took part in the (British Film Institute) BFI film academy run by the National Film and Television School and only 54 young filmmakers were involved.

He said: “I was also one of the 14 that were accepted from open application, and there were just two from as far south as Dorset.” The two-week intensive course saw the youngsters working in small teams to make short films, with just two days to shoot and two days to edit.

They had to develop the scripts and do auditions, find filming locations and direct, produce and edit the projects before they were screened in front of film industry VIPs.

He said it was a great experience, although it was quite an intense two weeks.

Harry is looking to do a new film based around the sea and is hoping to get support from local festivals like Spirit of the Sea and give the entrance fee for the screening to charity.

He would like to dedicate the new film in memory of his aunt Joan Casarotti, who sadly passed away last month.

Harry said: “She was really supportive. She was really interested in anything new I was doing.”

Harry is now back at Weymouth College doing a level three digital media BTEC diploma.

He said his dream job would be director of photography and follow in the footsteps of his inspiration Roger Deakins, who worked on blockbusters Skyfall, True Grit and Fargo.

Mr Deakins graduated from the National Film and Television School, who put on the BFI film academy, which Harry took part in.

He said that after college he wants to go to the Arts University in Bournemouth and then on to the NFTS.