A FILM firm headed by a former Blackburn businessman has clinched a number of deals.

Winchester Entertainment, run by ex-QEGS pupils Gary Smith, announced a string of agreements at the American Film market event in Los Angeles.

The firm has linked up with two American producers to handle finance and distribution for films called Harv the Barbarian and White Trash Christmas.

Winchester has also secured a deal with Universal Pictures to distribute Wild about Harry in the UK and Australia.

The film is a romantic comedy which will be premiered by Winchester at the Cannes Film Festival in May.

Former QEGS pupil Gary Smith founded Winchester and owns more than 30 per cent of the stock market listed company.

It is behind the hugely successful children's characters Jellabies (known as Jellikins in the UK) and have four children's shows currently running and three more in development.

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