A YOUNG filmmaker from North Yorkshire has been named as 'One To Watch' at a national film awards.

Sam Hartshorn, 16, from Harrogate, was one of five people aged between 13 and 19 highlighted by the Into Film Awards last weekend, for his short sci-fi film Where Were You.

The film follows the survival of a young boy in a post-apocalyptic world, and judges said it showed great visual awareness and technical flair.

The charity Into Film, supported by the BFI with Lottery funding and Cinema First, held the ceremony at Empire Leicester Square this weekend to celebrate the best of the UK's young filmmakers, film reviewers and teachers utilising the educational power of film.

Sam said: "It was fantastic to be given the ‘One to Watch’ award. I had a brilliant day and was given the opportunity to network with eminent people such as the creator of IMDb and several experienced directors, who gave me some great advice.

"I began making little movies when I was only six years old and haven’t stopped since. Being inspired by Star Wars, Jaws and the Bond movies, I would use my mum’s digital camera to put together three-minute action epics.

"It was fantastic to be acknowledged at the Into Film Awards and – even more exciting – the award was sponsored by EON Productions, the geniuses behind 007. My longer term plan is to hopefully study Film Making at the Northern Film School."

For winning the award, Sam will be mentored and supported by Into Film, to help him break into the industry.