A YOUNG Orpington filmmaker is looking for backing as he embarks on making his first major film.Mark Blackman has been passionate about film since he was a youngster.

"I always wanted to tell stories," says the 24-year-old. "I first picked up a camera at about 10 years old and I've been doing it ever since.

After leaving Darrick Wood School he took a degree in film studies, graduating with flying colours.

Since then he's worked in various jobs such as news cameraman and editor.

He currently produces promotional links for TV, where his work has won several awards.

"I get inspiration from everything around me," he says. "A newspaper story, a song lyric or vivid colours in a picture."

He describes his forthcoming 20 minute film, titled True To Form, as an emotionally-charged take on life, loss, regret and redemption.

He adds: "It will be an elegantly made cult movie with a twist at the end. It's a drama, not a melodrama."

Filming is scheduled to start at the end of the month in the News Shopper area.

He plans to enter the film in the major film festivals such as at Cannes and Venice.

Mark is hoping for support from businesses and community organizations.

"It's an exciting artistic project which I hope will lead to big things," he explains.

"So there is great potential at this stage for businesses to get involved with a bunch of dedicated young professionals."

To find out more about the project, visit jokerspack.com or call 07736 070268.