FILMMAKERS Thomas Houston and Dane Jones are hoping their first feature film — a post-apocalyptic thriller — will win over fans before it is even produced.

University of Bolton graduate and film director Thomas has taken to the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter to raise £30,000 for his film Anathema, where film buffs can pledge money to it.

The film follows young Addison and his sister as they travel through Britain seeking refuge from the harsh hostilities of a world ravaged by an incurable virus.

The 27-year-old said:"Swine flu was raging at the time I wrote it.

"I had a vague idea of a story where I imagined something like the common cold going super nova.

"I wanted to go against the Hollywood norm. It’s not as simple as banding together and everything will work out."

Thomas added: "People have different ideologies. Social conformities would de-evolve. There would be no good and evil, only survival. I wanted to do a more realistic approach to the world’s end."

Thomas graduated from the university’s media, writing and production degree in 2009.

Since leaving Bolton, he has started up his own video production company, HoustonJones Entertainment based in Leigh, together with producer and friend Dane, also aged 27, and who lives in Leigh.

They’re hoping Anathema will be the first of many feature films for the company.

Thomas said: "We’re asking for £30,000 to fund it because we want it to be professionally made and star high-profile actors. We’ve had interest from Alex Etel (The Water Horse), John Lynch (Sliding Doors) and Amber Rose Revah (Foyle's War), which is incredible.

"If we can show on Kickstarter that there’s an audience for the film, we’re confident we can get the rest of the funds we need from investors."

Dane added: "We made a shortlist of who we think would suit the characters in both aesthetics and, most importantly, performance.

"Once we had our shortlist of names that we knew would have an impact on distribution, I then set to calling agents and discussing the project/making inquiries."

Thomas said: "Bolton brought in a lot of relevant guest speakers.

"We had a module called Directing for Actors taught by professional actress Olwen May, which was brilliant. Rebecca Morris, who’s now a BBC Producer, came in to teach a few modules during the third year; she was a God-send by the University."

Lecturer Anna Zaluczhowska further helped Thomas to secure a placement on Britain’s Got Talent.

Thomas said: "It was a great experience and it helped me forge many industrial relationships. I was even called back for an extra day while Simon Cowell was in the studio."

To check out the teaser for the film, and contribute to the production, visit: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/504950747/anathema-a-british-indie-post-apocalyptic-feature

Those who pledge £10 or more will be able to se their names appear on the end credits as well as receiving other perks.