AN ADAPTATION of a short story film in Sussex and written by the author responsible for some of the world’s scariest books has won a handful of awards.

Director Matthew Rowney won best director for his version of I Am The Doorway by Stephen King – best known for writing The Shining - at the Los Angeles Independent Awards Festival. The film also won best ensemble cast.

The film, based on the book taken from King’s collection of short stories called Night Shift, was shot in Brighton and Burgess Hill.

The story follows astronaut Arthur who undergoes a terrifying change after being infected with an alien virus during a space mission to Venus. Years later, Arthur’s carer Richard comes to realise the devastating consequences of the infection.

Brighton beach, Hotel Pelirocco in Regency Square, and the Triangle Leisure Centre in Burgess Hill all feature.

Mr Rowney, 24, of Burgess Hill, picked Brighton-based actor Oli Reynolds, 22, to appear in the production alongside international personalities.

The cast is led by Greg Patmore, who starred alongside Kevin Costner in Hatfields and McCoys. Harry Potter’s Shefali Chowdhury, Isabelle Allen, who played Cosette in the film of Les Miserables, Mark Arnold, of Desperate Housewives, Luke Brandon-Field, from the American Poltergeist, and The Office’s Ewen McIntosh.

Mr Rowney said winning the awards was the "stuff of dreams".

He said: "Being able to represent Sussex in Hollywood was incredible. I’m really excited to see where the film takes us next.

"Brighton was the ideal location for the film’s shoot. Whether recreating a vintage horror house, a race through Ditchling Common woods, or the destruction of a spaceship’s engine room, the diversity of Brighton and West Sussex meant I could fully realise my vision. I think our international cast - with actors coming from all over England and America - shows that you don’t need to go to Hollywood to attract the best talent."

The adaptation premiered at the Duke of York's cinema in Preston Circus in August. Screenings are soon to take place at film festivals in Portugal, London, Hollywood, Miami and Rome.

Mr Rowney secured the rights for the story through the Dollar Baby scheme, conceived by Walking Dead director Frank Darabont and King to give aspiring filmmakers access to his works.