HE’S now directing live theatre in Bristol but Sam Jones converted a £10 short film, called 02, into £5,000 when he won a Talent Development prize from the British Film Institute when he was just 16-years old.

He was still at Altrincham Grammar School, when, aged 17, he used the money to write and direct Lifeline, a disturbing and torturous film set in an unpredictable future.

“I wondered what it would be like if everyone had to do something horrible fuelled by love.

“Everyone has someone they love and the question was how far would they go to save someone they do not love so that it becomes an explanation of human selflessness?

“The location at Victoria Baths was inspiring.”

The main character is played by Rebecca Manley who appeared in the Selfish Giant and This is England. She was recommended to Sam by an actress friend, Jennifer Hennessy.

He discovered his child actor from the internet. Matilda Freeman was only nine when she played a sad and confused kid.

The music was composed by Benjamin Squires who Sam met on a BFI Film Academy course.

“He gets the feel of the film and the vision just right. Music is important.”

Fifty people were involved in its making.

“Everyone must be on the same wavelength,” said Sam.

Sam is now working on two short films and has begun a full-length feature film.

• To see the film, see https://vimeo.com/1161273386

• For more of Sam’s work, see samjonesfilms.com.