A FEMALE director has launched a new film company in an effort to boost the careers of emerging talent across Hampshire.

Caroline Sax, of Belmore Lane in Upham, moved to Winchester two years ago from her home in Highgate, London.

She soon noticed the limited amount of related industry in the area and, to help graduates get a foot on the ladder, she’s set up The Hampshire Picture Company.

“There wasn’t a formal film industry here so I’ve set up my own,” she said. “It will be a way to support film-making in Hampshire and to create educational opportunities.”

Ms Sax was influenced at an early age, fortunate enough to call film legend Stanley Kubrick her next-door neighbour.

“He was inspirational and amazing and very kind,” she said. “He was extraordinary. I walked on the set of 2001 and I was absolutely gobsmacked. I thought this is what I want to do with my life.”

The company’s first film is Past Imperfect, a psychological family drama which will shot in Winchester, Upham and the Meon Valley in September.

Ms Sax added: “I was so struck by Hampshire’s beauty that I just wanted to make films here forever. Some of the views from the A272 are just lovely and every corner I’ve turned there was another breath-taking view.”

She is currently working with the University of Winchester, Southampton and Portsmouth to give young people a platform to further their careers.

“I want to create something for what people are learning,” she said. “I’m also mentoring two young men who are brilliant. I want to help them connect to the industry but the idea is to make Hampshire not only have film locations but I want this to be a film-making venue.”

There will also a series of masterclasses, to be held at Winchester Discovery Centre giving people a chance to grill well-known names in the industry.

The first, on April 15, will be James Strong – director of the popular TV drama Broadchurch. He will then be followed by Manuel Puro, a casting director, and composer David Poore.

She has also organised a series of “An evening in conversation with....” talks to be held at the Theatre Royal in autumn.