An ex-con has turned his life around and made a movie partly based on his murky past for Amazon’s Prime Video.

Tradesman Luke Mayers, originally from Northfleet, says it means the world to him to have his dream project, titled “On Top”, streaming on the platform giant.

It’s a far cry from where he was in 2010 when he was jailed for two-and-a-half years for his role in a burglary.

He told KentOnline: “I’ve been around where people have been robbed, where people have been violently attacked for possessions, and I’ve done time in prison.”

And while the 35-year-old says what he used to get up to was not good and he is still “deeply ashamed” of the person he once was he is now trying to make amends and turn his experiences into a positive, creative outlet.

“I’ve always appreciated a good film and I always analysed them,” he explained.

“I started off doing extra work in films so when I saw how it happens behind the scenes, I thought ‘I could do this’.”

Luke, who now lives in east Kent, has worked as a tradesman for the last 12 years.

He said: “It just clicked that I could fund it myself, and because I’m self-employed, I’m flexible so I thought I could make the money and time to make this project happen.”

He saved up £10,000 and took on the role of writer, director, and actor.

Luke added: “They say if you want to make a movie, make one about your life because you don’t have to create it – just write it down and it will flow because you know exactly how to picture it.

“So, that’s what I did with this one.”

His feature-length flick is described as a British crime gangster movie set in south east Kent.

It features some moments based on Luke’s lived experiences.

In the flick he stars as the leading role, named after himself, while his wife, took on the position of camera lady.

The plot follows the main character who gets caught in trouble with a gangster after bumping into an old friend.

Luke says he turned to Kent film-makers and posted on local Facebook groups to cast the other roles.

“I’ve used all the aspiring actors around Kent,” he added. “If there is someone out there trying to make it, the chances are I’ve had contact with them.

“Some of the people I’ve made really good friendships with and they’ve got so much talent.”

The entire movie took 10 months to film and features locations around the county, including Wallis Park in Northfleet, Chatham Dockyard, Folkestone Cliffs and the exterior of Borstal Prison, near Rochester.

After completing the project, Luke paid a distributor who successfully managed to get it streaming on Prime Video.

He added: “It means the world to me. It’s a big accomplishment.

“I’m so proud that it’s on Amazon because everyone gets to see the little role they play.”

But, it’s not stopping there.

The tradesman-turned movie-maker says he is already lining up a sequel.

Luke added: “It was just one of the things that I wanted to do and I did it. I feel like I’ve done my job but everyone said just keep going and don’t stop.

“It’s [the next film] a lot better and a lot bigger – I’ve got more equipment and more people around me. I’m just going up and up and up.”

And, to anyone who may find themselves involved with the wrong crowd like he once was, Luke advises: “Your life can be so much better if you do the hard work, knuckle down, and be consistent.

“Think about tomorrow, rather than today.”

On Top is now available to watch here.

Those with an Amazon Prime membership will be able to watch Luke’s debut film for free. Alternatively it costs £3.49 to rent and £7.99 to purchase.