BOLTON film maker Paul Blinkhorn has reached the final of a national film competition, which could land him £30,000 and a trip to Hollywood.

“I was ecstatic when I got the email,” said Paul, 35, who is one of only ten film makers to reach the final stage of the prestigious Enter the Pitch Film Competition.

His short film, titled The End, is a dark comic drama about an influential businessman who is forced to go on the run to evade sinister forces that are hunting him down.

“It had to be two minutes long and based on a story from the Bible. The idea is to give the judging panel a taste of its potential. If it wins I will be able to develop it as a proper film,” explained Paul.

As a finalist, he has been invited to take part in a three-day residential course in Windermere next month where he will have masterclasses with award-winning scriptwriters, producers and directors.

He will also receive independent mentoring to help him prepare his final pitch.

Then, in January, he will attend the finalists’ weekend at the legendary Pinewood Studios where he hopes to convince the panel that his project deserves the £30,000 prize.

If he wins, his film will be made and he will be flown to Hollywood. During his week’s stay he will have a private meeting with X-Men producer Ralph Winter, who will watch and give feedback on his film. He will l also get the chance to meet and network with other industry professionals.

Paul, who was an assistant director at The Octagon and the youth theatre leader of Bolton Little Theatre, filmed The End in Horwich.