A film-maker is to have his movie released around the world, after being signed up for international distribution rights.

Steven M Smith, 32, of Sinclair Walk, Wickford, wrote, produced and directed the feature film, Time of Her Life.

It was shot two years ago, at locations in Wickford, Hockley and Chelmsford.

The story centres on two ghosts, separated by time and searching for each other in a historic mansion.

In the film, they are brought together by Ally, played by Laura Penneycard, and Emmett, played by Geoff Shaw.

After taking the film to the Cannes Film Festival, Mr Smith caught the eye of an American distributor.

As a result, Time of Her Life is now due to be released to rent or buy on DVD in the USA next Tuesday. Mr Smith said: "Basically, I wanted to shoot a film before I reached 30.

"Unlike many people, who only talk about their dreams and ambitions, I actually got up off my behind and set about making a short film.

"To my surprise, I found that there were so many other people who wanted to make films, just like me. The dream is possible. If you say to yourself that you can do it, that it will get done."

The project was originally planned as a short film, but as interest in it grew, Mr Smith decided to make it into a feature-length movie.

He explained: "The film is set mainly in Hylands House, near Chelmsford, but also in Wickford and St Peter's Church, in Hockley.

"I wanted to show people what I could do with just a really small, almost non-existent budget and everyone seems to like the idea."

Mr Smith, whose day-job is as a carer for adults with learning difficulties, is already laying plans to make a second film, entitled The Book.