A County Durham-based film director is to begin filming a documentary about a famous old non-league football club this summer.

Over four weeks, Dean Midas is set to follow the team at Willington AFC as they begin preparations for the 2024/25 season in the Wearside League.

The film is set to include interviews with Willington FC’s new manager, Steve ‘Howey’ Howe. He has been backed in the role by Lee Genner, Danny Lee, Lewis Graham, and Chris Storey.

The Northern Echo: Hall Lane, home of Willington AFC, where Dean Midas is to film a documentary over the summerHall Lane, home of Willington AFC, where Dean Midas is to film a documentary over the summer (Image: DEAN MIDAS)

Dean, formerly head of media for Bishop Auckland FC, will also document the club’s opening training sessions and provide behind-the-scenes chat including an insider on transfer details.

The film will conclude with footage from Willington AFC’s first friendly game of the season on Tuesday, July 2, against Crook Town AFC - managed by Mattie Thompson.

Sharing his thoughts on the project, Dean said: “I’m really looking forward to making this documentary. It was announced on the club’s Facebook page the other day and the support is really, really positive.

“Huge thanks [to] the chairman, Carl Whelpdale for giving me this amazing opportunity.”

The documentary is something of a departure from Dean’s previous work in horror film-making.

The Northern Echo: The documentary is something of a departure for Dean Midas, best-known for producing a series of horror shortsThe documentary is something of a departure for Dean Midas, best-known for producing a series of horror shorts (Image: DEAN MIDAS)

Across his career, Dean has garnered huge praise for his short horror films produced in the North East, including The Rag Dolly and Eve Valentine, winning several awards.

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Last year, he was the recipient of the North East Director of the Year 2023 award, as well as being named BBC Upload’s Film Master of 2023.

Dean’s new documentary is expected to be released on YouTube in early July.

Following the film’s production, Dean is returning to his roots in horror. Fans will be pleased to hear that Dean plans to release a new film, The Legend of Sayer Hicks, which follows his hugely successful, The Devil’s Stone.