TEENAGE moviemakers are bringing the sparkle of Hollywood to the region after their work attracted the interest of director Ken Russell.

The renowned movie maker was so impressed after being told of the work of Timothy Reynard and Ben Derrick, who have made two short films, that he will attend the premiere of their productions in North Yorkshire.

Mr Russell writes film reviews for The Times and the paper put the duo in contact with him.

After hearing of their work, he agreed to attend the premiere to review the films.

The boys' home-made efforts, Denied and Fashion Police, are to premiere early in the new year.

The 16-year-olds, both studying for their A-levels at St Aidan's and St John Fisher associated sixth-form, in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, are delighted to have attracted interest from Russell, whose work includes Tommy, Altered States and Moll Flanders.

Timothy said: "It's absolutely amazing. I never thought I'd be able to bring out a film like this.

The whole experience has been fantastic, and I would love to make a career in the movie industry.

"We are trying to make our own films, which we can then try to show to people like Ken Russell to get our names known."

Another fan is Stephen Pelluet, who was involved in the Oscarwinning soundtrack of Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. He was so impressed by the youngsters' efforts that he helped to create the soundtrack for Denied.

North Yorkshire County Council helped to fund the venture with £5,000 from its Young Money scheme.

Councillor Caroline Patmore said: "This is a terrific venture by two really enthusiastic and motivated young people to make their mark on the world of movies."

Ian Marr, a 4Youth education officer at the council, who helped to set the duo on their way, said: "This is quite a fantastic project.

The Young Money scheme is for youngsters with an idea, who are unable to take it to the next level.

"I'm really proud that they have been able to get the opportunity to develop the ideas they had. They really wanted to do this, and they have managed to succeed and create two good movies."

The pair were also given money for the venture by Sky TV and the National Lottery.

Timothy, who runs Valiant Pictures, and Ben, who runs MB Studios, worked together to make the films. They penned the scripts and drew on a cast from the local area.

Denied is a suspense thriller with a tragic love story, while Fashion Police is set in a future world where the only thing that matters is fashion.

Shooting began last April and the premiere of both films is is at the Harrogate Odeon on January 10.

MOVIE-MAKER: Ken Russell, left, and a poster for the film Denied.

It was created by, below, Timothy Reynard, left, and Ben Derrick