MOVING from Scouting For Girls to zombies is not the most common career path.

But that is how Michael Evans' CV reads after directing his first film about mysterious disappearances at a high school.

The former Penketh High pupil has just finished filming The Hellions for the British Youth Film Academy (BYFA).

He oversaw a team of more than 100 movie professionals and students keen to break into the industry

Among them were Georgia Taylor, who has previously been in Coronation Street, Casualty and Law and Order, and Greg Patmore, who recently appeared alongside Kevin Costner in Hatfield and McCoys.

Michael was picked for the project out of around 200 budding filmmakers after cutting his teeth making music videos for the likes of Scouting For Girls and Warrington's Portalights.

The 25-year-old also recently returned from Los Angeles shooting TV adverts and videos for the likes of Tiësto.

Michael, who grew up in Great Sankey but now lives in Hampshire, said: "I’m used to smaller, short form stuff but with this it was pretty amazing to have a whole crew working together on such a big project.

"We were using incredible camera equipment – the sort of stuff they shot Lord of the Rings on.

"We had big companies like Panavision helping us out and the camera and light team were from London and they helped massively.

"It was great because we all got our heads together and worked amazingly as a team to make it happen."

The Hellions is part of BYFA's summer school which encourages young people, aged between 16 and 21, the opportunity to get hands-on experience of the the filmmaking industry by working alongside professionals.

The BYFA has previously produced 14 full-length films.

Most of the young people were from the north west but some travelled from as far as Italy and Spain to take part in the project.

Michael, who grew up in Winchester Avenue, added: "Most of the younger actors and crew were just starting out.

"Some of them are in college trying to figure out what they want to do with their lives and this has given the inspiration and drive to continue.

"There are not a lot of opportunities for filming and TV in this area. I know we’ve got MediaCity but even then it’s difficult to get into.

"This summer school gives young people the chance to be a part of a professional feature film.

"It’s an invaluable experience for people that are trying to get into the industry and allows them to focus on something they’re passionate about.

"A lot of them were coming on as runners and if we noticed the talent in some of them they’d get promoted."

Michael, who studied film production at University of Creative Arts in Surrey, told Weekend he knows just how important those sorts of opportunities are.

He said: "When Penketh High got turned into a media and arts college I was already working on the school’s radio station.

"Through that I ended up taking applied media and just fell in love with filming. I’ve always loved photography, image and films so it took me down that route.

"When the school turned into a media and arts college that changed everything for me in the sense that I had the equipment to work with. I had the opportunity to create short films.

"That was a massive boost for me which is why I’m so passionate about doing something for the BYFA. I’m hoping it will have a similar effect on other kids."

The Hellions was filmed throughout July and August in Wigan and Leigh and it will be out next year.

It is about four school friends who unearth a sinister plot to enslave the entire student body.

Michael, who has wanted to direct films since watching The Shawshank Direction, added: "We tried to do it in a similar style to Shaun of the Dead so although it’s a horror there’s a comedy element to it.

"Hopefully this will be the start of many films to come."

The Hellions will be submitted for numerous film festivals in 2017 but the dream is for the movie to have a cinema release.

"It’s amazing to think it could be going into cinemas," said Michael, who is influenced by Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese and Edgar Wright.

"I never expected anything like this to happen to me at such a young age. I thought it would be in 10 or 15 years’ time. It will be a surreal and proud moment for me and my family."

As well as continuing with his film career, Michael also hopes to direct a big budget TV series one day.

"I’d love to direct a HBO drama or something like Breaking Bad," he added.

"TV series like that are more like prolonged films in a way."

- Michael and the BYFA team are currently fundraising as around £10,000 is needed to secure a cinema release for The Hellions. If you want to help visit indiegogo.com/projects/the-hellions-british-youth-film-academy

DAVID MORGAN