A HOLLYWOOD veteran who was Steven Spielberg’s assistant during the 80s has predicted a bright future for a Winsford filmmaker after agreeing to help him make his latest project.

Mark Marshall, from Oklahoma, has worked on a number of hit movies in a long and distinguished career, including The Goonies, Harry Potter and Free Willy.

And now he has teamed up with Andrew Carson, from Winsford, who has been busy courting the attention of a number of Hollywood figures with his first project, RhumbleRama.

Andrew, who was jobless and home homeless just a few years ago, has now enlisted the help of Mr Marshall to help him with his second project, Unmade Bed.

Mr Marshall said: “Almost all of the films I have been associated with throughout my career have had kids in them – The Goonies, Free Willy, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

“At some point a guy has to grow up. Unmade Bed is an intimate story for adults, a bittersweet romance between two emotionally needy people.

“It's the kind of movie I've been longing to make.”

During a production career spanning more than 35 years, Mr Marshall has worked with some of the industry’s most successful directors.

As well as serving as Spielberg’s assistant on The Goonies, Mr Marshall also linked up with George Lucas on Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back.

Mr Marshall still keeps in contact with Spielberg and Lucas, and says he would ‘not hesitate’ to introduce the aspiring director to them.

“I think they would all get along famously,” he said.

He also says he sees many of their traits in Andrew, and has ‘absolute confidence’ he will forge a successful career in the movie business.

He said: “Steven and George are both creative and astute businessmen, yet they are true gentlemen in every sense of the word. 

“I see Andrew with the same creative bent, and have found him to be receptive, respectful and giving. I think that bodes well for his future.

“I think he deserves an enormous amount of respect. Every challenge we face in life helps make us who we are. After what Andrew has been through, what is there left to fear?”