A fledgling film maker from South Staffordshire is hoping he will soon see his own name in the spotlight after being shortlisted for a £10,000 cash boost from a national film body.

Award-winning Ryan Vernava, aged 22, from Pattingham, hopes his short digital film based in the Black Country will make the final cut to win the cash grant from the UK Film Council and Screen West Midlands.

His work is in the running for the award after being named in the last dozen from 130 entries. Six will be chosen to receive funding to get their films produced.

Ryan’s 10-minute film, called 46, is set around a bus journey through Birmingham.

He said: “This could be a really important move forward in my career giving my work the exposure needed for me to take the next step and get involved in producing feature dramas.

“Those chosen not only receive money to produce their film but have privileged access into various film festivals. After that, the sky’s the limit.”

Former Adams Grammar pupil Ryan is now back home with his family in Rudge Court, Pattingham, after three years at the Westminster Film School in London during which a short advert made by him won the top three prizes in the 2009 Kodak Commercial Awards.

Another 16-minute film he produced was voted best short in the London Young Film Festival for people under the age of 26 and will be featured in the London Independent Film Festival in April.

His latest work has been done in collaboration with 22-year-old script writer Joe Copplestone from Kings Heath, Birmingham.

Ryan has a degree in film and TV production.