Touch of Frost star Sir David Jason dubs Netherton’s Ben Sweet as the film industry’s next top young talent

Dec 11 2010 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

TV star Sir David Jason has dubbed Huddersfield’s Ben Sweet as the film industry’s ‘next top young talent’.

The Touch of Frost star has spoken out after directing Ben’s first film, All The Way Up, which this week swept the board at the Monaco International Film Festival.

The film, penned by the 32-year-old from Netherton, picked up six awards comprising Best Short Film, Best Director, Best Producer, Best Script, Best Leading Actor and Best Supporting Actor.

Sir David said: “It’s a fantastic honour for our whole team to see All The Way Up acknowledged in such a spectacular way.

“Celebrating the genre of films where values and entertainment combine is personally pleasing because I have spent my life reaching audiences with exactly the same approach.

“It’s important for the industry that these awards become bigger and better so that inspirational film-making becomes as commercially successful as it is critically acclaimed.

“My greatest thrill in making this film however, has been working with the exciting young talent of Ben and Shane.

“I hope everyone’s paying attention because we’ve only just begun.”

Ben co-produced the film with Shane Hamill and it was shot at The Queen’s Hotel near the railway station in Leeds.

Sir David offered to direct the film for free after meeting Ben on the set of Terry Pratchett film, The Colour of Magic, and being impressed with his comedy script.