Movie extra becomes film-maker

jscott@thekmgroup.co.uk A university student has been inspired to make his own film after working as an extra in several Hollywood blockbusters.

Sammy Harris, 23, from Hothfield, found work as a television extra while studying software engineering at the University of Westminister.

As well as securing himself regular appearances on TV drama Holby City, he has featured in major films including Les Miserables, Jack the Giant Slayer, Fast Girls and Rush. Mr Harris, of Common Way, Hothfield said: “Each time I’m there I’m more interested in what’s going on behind the cameras and learning about the film-making process.

“I’ve wanted to make my own film pretty much as long as I’ve been involved in extra work. After seeing how it’s done, I wanted to do it myself.”

The former Chaucer Technology pupil has rubbed shoulders with a stars including Ewan McGregor and Hugh Jackman, who he met on the set of Les Miserables while playing a French soldier. He said: “I was pulling this cannon along and Hugh Jackman came over and gave me a Lottery scratchcard.

“It was quite surreal. He was just giving them out to anyone he thought was working hard.”

Mr Harris is drawing from his film experiences to create his own short film called Derelict, a post-apocalyptic sci-fi horror film. It will feature a group of survivors walking across Hothfield heathlands after a devastating alien invasion, who encounter a mysterious man living alone on the edge of some woodland.

The young film-maker has already secured the services of two actors – stuntman Alan Bond and musician Jason Rhodes – but he is looking for a dozen extras from the Ashford area for filming in August.

Mr Harris is searching for suitable locations, particularly any cottages or houses in or around woodland in the borough, and is also looking for funding having raised £266 of the £2,000 through the Kickstarter website. He hopes to enter the short film into the London Independent Film Festival.

To make a donation or for more information go to www. derelictmovie.co.uk

Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables