A NORTH-EAST writer is set to have his second feature film released next week.

Arthur and Merlin Knights of Camelot will be available on DVD and Digital HD on Monday (July 13).

Jonny Grant, who was born in Middlesbrough, but now lives in Ingleby Barwick, wrote the film, the second he has had released, after he managed to get into contact with the right circles in the industry.

Jonny said: “In my spare time I write film scripts. I got an agent back in 2012 in London. I wrote a script that was set in Middlesbrough.”

He was put in contact with director Giles Alderson, who liked the script.

His debut film called The Dare, a horror movie, was co-written by Jonny and Mr Alderson.

Arthur and Merlin Knights of Camelot tells the story of a man battling to fulfil his destiny to become the King his nation needs.

It stars Richard Short as Arthur and Richard Brake as Merlin.

It is set in the year 463 AD, when England is a land divided. King Arthur has been absent for five years, fighting a war abroad that has stricken his knights, left his throne defenceless and his queen at the mercy of Mordred, his illegitimate son.

He must return home quickly, facing dark and dangerous threats from all sides, while guided by the legendary wizard Merlin.

Jonny, who has a day job, then writes scripts in his spare time, said: “It’s quite surreal really, I go to work during the day I support people with substance misuse problems – there’s a lot of people in poverty – that really keeps me grounded it opened my eyes.

“I’m working 9-5 – I’ve got two different lives on the go.”

Kris Johnson, who was born in Middlesbrough, but now lives in Southend, also stars in the film as Bedevere, one of King Arthur’s right hand men.

Talking about his role, Kris said: “I wanted him to be quite brutal and tough, he’s the first in battle and last out."

He added: “The film was shot all over Wales in beautiful locations around the British Isles."

The film was shot in September so therefore was finished before the coronavirus lockdown was put in place in the UK.

Kris said: “The arts haven’t been looked after at all. The arts bring more to this country than aviation. Actors have really struggled.”

He has been doing building work during the lockdown.

“I’m looking forward to the film coming out and everyone seeing it," he said. "I want to thank Giles Alderson and Lucinda Rhodes, the producer.

"Hopefully I’m going to be working with them again and all of the other guys.

"It was a fantastic cast and crew.”