A STUDENT has created a funny and dramatic short film that shows him fighting off pixelated aliens from the classic computer game Space Invaders across well known Bolton landmarks.

Visual effects student Lee Bolton has created The Real Space Invaders, in which he uses an Atari 2600 games console to battle the invaders in locations such as Rivington and the town centre.

The film, made as part of his degree at The University of Bolton, was inspired by his favourite computer game, Space Invaders, which is said to have kickstarted the modern games industry.

Mr Bolton, aged 43, who lives in Farnworth, said: “It is my favourite game — the film is a bit of fun and a celebration of retro games and the resurgence of interest in the Atari and Commodore 64 games.

“I enjoyed playing these games as a teenager.

“I have always been into them and have written about them for magazines.”

He added: “I started making the film in January for my course.

"The filming was quite quick and after that I had to do each scene individually — there is even a shot of me running away from the Space Invaders.

“Adam Sandler is in a similar film called Pixels, which isn't out yet, where Pac-Man is running through the streets — but mine is funnier.”

His love of retro games goes far beyond making films, as he has amassed a collection of the old games consoles and even has a coin-operated arcade machine in his kitchen featuring thousands of games including Space Invaders.

The second-year student is the owner of Bolton-based Elerby Studios in Breightmet, which has which has made promotional videos for clients such as Pepsi and produced music videos

He said: “My friends think I’m silly but the arcade machine is great for parties. My dad keeps reminding me that I'm not a kid any more.

“When the old computer game consoles were going out I bought them from car boot sales because they were so cheap and now they are worth more.

"The Atari in the film is my own."

He is in the process of producing a new short sci-fi film on the back of The Real Space Invaders called Charlie and Me.

Recently Mr Bolton has found himself in front of the camera for Tim Burton's new film Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, when parts of it were shot on location in Blackpool.

He said: "I can't say too much about it but I was selected for a part which is a set up for an extra.

"I went along on the first day as an extra and wasn't needed, but on the second day I was picked out to feature in a small part."