An independent filmmaker is celebrating after signing an international distribution deal.

Sue Shearing, who lives in Aston, has signed a contract with R Squared Films to distribute her first two full-length movies around the world.

The company aims to circulate her films No Smoke and Archie, both filmed in Comet country, internationally – giving her a percentage of the profits.

The 68-year-old, who founded Stevenage’s Top Hat stage school in 1995, says she never thought she would be a filmmaker.

She said: “It really is amazing. Everyone involved is very excited. Making these films has been a huge learning curve for me.

“I always wanted to make films but never had the time or know-how before I retired. Eventually a few different opportunities came my way and then before I knew it I was working on my first feature. Now I’m constantly on the lookout for a follow-up project.

“This deal is very exciting as it means now, hopefully, we will be able to introduce our work to a whole new audience.”

No Smoke was filmed at various locations in Hertfordshire – including Knebworth – over two weeks in the summer of 2012 – with a plot revolving around themes of suspicion, terrorism and drug-dealing.

The movie was later chosen from more than 800 rivals to be shown at the Marbella International Film Festival in Spain.

Sue’s latest film, Archie, was filmed in Hitchin last year over the course of a month. Starring nine-year-old James Darcey from Hitchin as the title character, the film tells the story of a young boy’s friendship with an elderly stranger.

Visit www.catchmefilms.yolasite.com for more information.