Budding young movie makers from seven Dagenham schools have pitched their ideas for short films to industry experts.

The youngsters were given a brief to create an idea based on “a hero’s journey” which they worked on with their class teachers.

Each school then shortlisted one group with a suggested film to pitch to the experts.

One primary and one secondary school get their ideas produced by a professional film-maker at the new Eastbrook Studios in Dagenham, organised by Barking and Dagenham Council’s Make It Here programme.

They pitched their idea to CBeebies TV presenter and documentary-maker Aaron Roach Bridgeman, director-writer Yasmin Godo, film director Gavin Saville and Film Barking and Dagenham’s Anna Wilson.

“We are sitting among some future heroes,” Aaron said. “I am impressed with their presentations and their fantastic ideas.”

Gavin, who grew up in Ilford, encouraged the youngsters to think about a career in filming with all the studios being built in Dagenham.

He told them: “You can do this. There is a great opportunity as loads of film studios are being built here.

“You don’t need special kit to get started — just your smartphone.”

Yasmin thought the industry had a bright future with such ideas coming from the next generation of movie-makers.

She said: “What jumped out at me was seeing future producers, managers, presenters and professionals in film and TV.”

The seven schools presented creative film ideas such as A Capeless Hero from Robert Clack School, The Missing Child by Eastbrook Primary and Dungeons and Dragons by Eastbrook Secondary.

Beam Primary pitched A Hero’s Journey about a spoilt rich boy.

Classmates Ethan Gbadamosi, Zion Mtutu, Nadia Backry and Sienna Mckenzie admitted pitching was “nerve-wracking” but felt at ease once they were up on stage together.

Parsloes Primary School suggested Future Heroes, where three kids get superpowers to make the world environment better, safer and healthier.

Each group presented storyboards and digital presentations with their idea and the budget needed. They explained which pupil was taking on what role, such as director, camera operator, wardrobe director and actor.

The winners were Marsh Green Primary School with The Adventures of Kaci and Kyla and Dagenham Park Church of England School with a thriller about a teenager drinking a magic potion.

Their ideas are now being turned into short films with help from professional movie-maker Harry Isherwood from Tommo Media group.

Their works will be premiered to the children, their families, teachers and VIPs at Dagenham’s Vue Cinema in June.