An American short story is being turned into a West Cumbrian film.

Maryport man Ben Brinicombe is producing the film based on a short story by American author Paul Wilson.

Ben, 42, of Curzon Street, who wrote the screenplay, is producing and directing the film and acting in the lead role, was given permission by the author to adapt his story.

He has some remarkable help, however, including a professional camera man whose CV includes being involved in Aliens and Four Weddings and a Funeral.

“He gets involved in all kinds of community things. It is great.”

The sound man is David Lawrence, who has moved here from London. While his speciality was lighting, he has a vast knowledge of sound, Ben said.

Called Definitive Therapy, the film is a psychological thriller set in a hospital for the criminally insane.

It is set around a character called Mr Punch who enjoys manipulating the world around him.

One of the other characters in the play is Dr Judith Smith (Rosie Matin).

Ben, like his parents, has been involved in Workington Playgoers and is making this film in conjunction with the theatre group.

Although film-making is new to him, Ben has performed on the outdoor stage at Stratford near the Swan Theatre, and at the Edinburgh Fringe with Morgan Sweeney who features as one of the doctors in this film.

This has been a learning curve, however, with cast members having to become familiar with performing for a camera rather than on stage to a live audience.

The film will be shown at the Theatre Royal, the Playgoers home.

Filming itself is expected to be completed by the end of this month when editing will begin.

“We expect it to be ready for public showing in October. I am still at the stage where I am wondering how it will turn out but hopefully it will be worthwhile.”

It will even feature its own musical score directed by Max Tyler with, hopefully, a full orchestra.

The film is being shot around West Cumbria but much of it in the Camp Road house, Parkhill.

While the original story is set in the United States, there will be no doubt that this film is based in the United Kingdom with a West Cumbrian slant.

The actors in this film are well-versed in stagecraft. Most are from Playgoers.

The second lead role, after Mr Punch, is Dr Hal Lewis, played by Marc Bailie.

Ben, who is a project manager by day, said making the film is proving to be hard work and a lot of fun.