AN ASPIRING Winsford filmmaker has moved a giant step towards producing his first movie after securing in principle almost £1 million in funding.

Andrew Carson, 36, has had a whirlwind two years since leaving university to go it alone.

His script for his debut film, RhumbleRama, received massive attention online and caught the eyes of a number of Hollywood figures keen to lend their support.

And Andrew says RhumbleRama has only gained more traction over the past 12 months.

“It’s really picked up this year,” Andrew said. “We’re doing something very unique. We managed to get picked up for sales and distribution with just a script, something I’m told is incredibly hard to do.

“The amount of work it takes getting financing in unbelievable. We staggered quite a lot. We had more interest from the states and Canada, which is a bit strange really.

“But now we’re the closest we have ever been to seeing this completed.”

RhumbleRama was given a boost this year when a Canadian production company, who he is keeping anonymous for now, agreed to co-produce the film.

The wrestling comedy-drama is looking at a budget of £1.9 million and Andrew is now working on getting finance from investors/investment groups in the UK.

“I would have been happy to fund the movie for £20,000,” he said. “Considering this is my directorial debut, the budget’s crazy."

And as well as the financial backing, Andrew has received some words of wisdom from a number of Hollywood directors, including Mel Brooks, Peter Hyams, Edward Neumeier and Phil Tippet.

Several established actors and pro wrestlers have also attached themselves to the film, including Ayden Callaghan, Sarah Jane Honeywell, Cerrie Burnell and Ralph Brown.

Former WWE and TNE wrestler Devon Dudley has also committed to the movie after ‘falling in love with the project’.

Andrew is hoping to start filming early next year and is even planning on coming back to shoot some scenes in Winsford.

“I actually brought one of our producers to Winsford this year, he loved it,” he said. 

“We still intend to do that. It’s my home town. It’s the place where I feel the most comfortable in the world.”