WRITER and director Michael Clarkson is close to making it big in Hollywood after being accepted into one of the world’s top film schools.

The 26-year-old has won a place at The School of Cinematic Arts at University of Southern California which launched the careers of George Lucas of Star Wars fame and Bryan Singer, the director of the box office smash X-Men movies.

But Michael, from Smithills, desperately needs to raise the £40,000 needed for the two year screen writing and directing course.

BAFTA has given him a £5,000 grant, which will also provide mentoring opportunities, and he have received £5,000 bursary from USC, and raised an additional £3,500 from crowdfunding.

Michael, who divides his time between Bolton and London, said: “I need to raise the rest of the funds in order to go as I'm from a working class background and the funding is beyond my means.

“I have just under a month left to do so, or I miss this once in a lifetime opportunity that could see me become one of Britain's leading figures in film and television.

"I am the only British candidate to be accepted at the world’s top film school in Los Angeles."

“I need Bolton behind me on this one to get me to Hollywood and time is running out.

“I went to Thornleigh Salesian College and want to — if all goes to plan — create a scholarship to help people from similar backgrounds in the future.

“Bolton has a lot to offer — it's definitely shaped my brother and I and inspired us to do what we can.”

Michael was a finalist for the international film competition Enter the Pitch in 2012 and 2013 for his directing/writing on shorts Betrayal and The Bilhah.

He was also a finalist for Film 4 Scene Stealers with his short First Day .

Michael directed, produced and co-wrote Fellowship of the Ringwraiths, Death Ship 666! which he also starred in and was signed up for a regular slot at Leicester Square Theatre, London.

To support Michael reach for the stars visit www.indiegogo.com/projects/please-help-send-me-to-the-worlds-top-film-school#/funders