AS the old saying goes - not least in the television and film industries - it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.

But sometimes it’s a chance encounter with an award-winning television legend in a London café which pays dividends.

For movie director Jamie Weston, 31, from Colchester, that is exactly how his latest short-film landed one of its most famous stars.

“On the way out of a meeting in Soho, we literally just walked past Miriam Margolyes, into a café, script in hand,” he said.

“We took a chance and introduced ourselves and asked if she would give some feedback on the script.

“She read it briefly, fell in love with the concept immediately and asked who she could play.

“We didn’t even know what to think, it was the most incredible thing, she signed the script, gave us her email and we kept in touch.”

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After little convincing, it was not long before Bafta award winner Miriam was in front of Jamie’s camera, as he shot scenes for Wings, which was written alongside Carla Fraser, who also plays the lead actress in the film.

Streaming now on Channel 4’s digital platform All4, the 18-minute long movie is a heartwarming love story which centres on the relationship of two Army girls during the Second World War.

It then follows their journey over six decades, as they separate and return to their post-war lives, before eventually finding their way back to one another.

The roles of the two protagonists, Audrey and Dora, are initially depicted by Carla and her co-star Rosie Day.

But, after the film’s fictional 60 years have passed, the characters are then adopted by Miriam, and a further Bafta winner, on-screen legend Virginia McKenna.

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Jamie added: “I remember saying to Carla this film idea is so unlike anything I have seen before and that it had to be told.

“We have a kind of duty to tell stories like this if they haven’t been already told and maybe someone will relate to it and it will become a voice for those who never had one.

“I’ve made more than 300 films but I’ve never been so passionate about an idea.”

The movie’s storyline is a unique concept and has already garnered awards from film festivals across the globe such as the Out On Film Festival in Atlanta and the Iris Prize Film Festival.

Aside the from the physical accolades, the wins mean the film could be considered at more prestigious awards ceremonies, such as the Oscars and the Baftas.

It also screening in the likes of Australia and America.

“We have been extremely lucky and humbled and so proud.

“This is something I certainly never imagined to have the opportunity to relish in.”

Watch Wings now on All4.