Teen secures streaming deal with Amazon

Teenage filmmaker Luke Bates has secured a major streaming deal with Amazon Prime Video for his debut feature film, Dark Minds, marking an extraordinary milestone at the very start of his career. At just 18 years old, Luke is already being recognised as one of the UK’s most promising emerging filmmakers, with his independently made thriller now available to a global audience.

Luke, a student on Oaklands College’s Film & TV BTEC in Welwyn Garden City, began creating Dark Minds at the age of just 16. What started as an ambitious idea quickly grew into a full-scale feature film project, with Luke taking on almost every role himself. Over the course of production, he dedicated more than 3,000 hours to directing, writing, producing and editing the film — a remarkable commitment for someone still in education.

This achievement is even more impressive given the significant health challenges Luke has faced. He missed large parts of secondary school after being diagnosed with PANDAS, a rare autoimmune condition that developed following childhood strep throat and scarlet fever. He later went on to develop ulcerative colitis (IBD). Now in remission, Luke says these experiences helped shape his mindset, giving him the focus, resilience and determination that ultimately fuelled the creation of Dark Minds.

The 95-minute thriller follows Aidin, a young man whose life is turned upside down after his biological parents are brutally murdered. Inspired by a vivid nightmare Luke once had about his own parents being kidnapped, the original idea evolved into a gripping murder mystery and revenge story, combining emotional depth with suspense and tension.

Throughout the filmmaking process, Luke faced numerous obstacles. While the project initially began with plans for a full production crew, many people dropped out once they realised the scale of the workload involved. Undeterred, Luke pushed forward, relying on a small group of friends who helped where they could. Friends took turns holding the microphone, while lead actor Casey Hawtin also played a key role behind the scenes, helping with editing and producing much of the film’s music.

Determined to see the project through to completion, Luke even founded his own production company, SW1FT Productions, to release the film. Dark Minds went on to premiere at Sky Studios in Elstree, a fitting celebration of the hard work and perseverance behind the project.

Luke is now already working on his next film, though details remain under wraps. He said:

“I’m now working on my next film, a professional film with an actual budget. At 18, and being employed full time as a film director, I think I’m possibly the youngest film director in the world!

“Oaklands College has been amazingly supportive to me; for example, the Principal got me in contact with some people that have helped me to secure this job. I wouldn’t be where I am now without the College’s help and I’m so grateful for it.”

Andrew Slade, Principal and CEO of Oaklands College, added:

“Luke’s achievement is nothing short of extraordinary. To secure a streaming deal with Amazon Prime Video at his age, and after overcoming such significant health challenges, speaks to his determination, creativity and sheer resilience.

“Our staff have been proud to support him throughout his journey, providing the guidance and opportunities that helped him take these remarkable steps forward. We are incredibly proud of all he has accomplished, and we have no doubt he is at the beginning of a truly outstanding career in filmmaking.”