A JOHNSTONE actor is hoping to raise £50,000 to finance a full television series of his popular period drama.

The first episode of crime thriller A True Mismatch has received rave reviews since its release on Amazon Prime Video last month.

Daniel Reynolds, 30, is now planning another five episodes of the drama, which examines the clash between the upper, middle and working classes during the Victorian era.

He told The Gazette: “The first episode has been getting quite a lot of attention around the UK and the United States.

“We are quite surprised at how well it has been received and have applied for a licence to stream in Ireland and Australia, as we understand there are a lot people in these countries who want to watch it.

The Gazette: The first episode was filmed in PaisleyThe first episode was filmed in Paisley

“We’ve had over 20,000 streamed minutes already, which is incredible considering it’s only one 25-minute episode we’ve released so far.”

Daniel, who also plays a lead character in the drama, co-written by fellow actor Kris Scott, plans to film the majority of the series in Renfrewshire.

He added: “We filmed a lot of the first episode at Sma’ Shot Cottages, in Paisley, and I’ve been looking at churches in Johnstone and Kilbarchan.”

Daniel also hopes his new project will help to shine a spotlight on talented locals such as eight-year-old Johnstone boy Kayden McLay.

The Auchenlodment Primary pupil played a pickpocket in the show’s concept trailer last year and Daniel is keen to involve more local children.

The Gazette: Johnstone boys Kayden Weir and Kayden McLayJohnstone boys Kayden Weir and Kayden McLay

He added: “We had a big cast for such a small project and I like using local kids, as they have a natural look about them and it’s great to provide opportunities to young actors.

“We have everything near enough written, we just need the finance now to go out and film the episodes.

“We are trying to raise £50,000, which is a lot of money, but I think that, with the amount of attention we’ve got, we should try to get as close to that figure as we can.”

Search for ‘A True Mismatch’ on Amazon Prime Video to watch the first episode.

To support the fundraising effort, visit indiegogo.com/projects/a-true-mismatch#/.