EXCITEMENT surrounds the launch of a community film venture in Dartmouth.
A short feature film is in the making that will be shot entirely in and around the town.
The film Grace is set mainly in the present day but reflects back to the darker times of 1943 and will feature some Second World War sequences and the use of authentic vehicles and an aircraft.
It will be produced entirely by volunteers with hopefully help from some sponsorship and local people are being invited to get involved either as crew or performers.
Behind the project is The Dartmouth Film Company, which plan to produce three films over a six-year period in aid of a chosen charity.
Grace will be screened towards the end of the year at the Flavel, which will share booking proceeds along with Dartmouth Caring. A limited edition DVD will also be produced.
The film will be directed by Paul Potgieter, of Heritage Media TV, which is sponsoring the production.
He said: 'Dartmouth itself is a beautiful town where we all love to live and what better place for the setting of our first film, Grace, which will be filmed entirely in and around Dartmouth.'
The non-profit-making Dartmouth Film Company was founded last year by Paul to bring together imagination, collaboration and creativity between like-minded people who are interested in making motion pictures.
The story of Grace was conceived by Paul, who has enrolled the services of his son Charlie Potgieter to write the screenplay.
Charlie, 19, who lives in Hampshire is already an inspiring writer and about to attend university to obtain a degree in creative film writing. His adaptation of the story will allow the first part of the short film to begin in April, with completion anticipated by the autumn.
The starring role of Grace will be performed by Paul's daughter, Anna Potgieter, who has appeared in several productions, including for Dartmouth Players and Razzamataz Theatre Schools. Grace will be Anna's first screen performance along with her sibling, Lucia, who also plays her sister, Lily, in the film.
Grace is a bright, thoughtful and creative 12-year-old who is coming to terms with the recent loss of her father to cancer. Grace possesses a psychic ability which, although not fully developed, leads her to uncover a dark secret that has remained concealed for over 70 years.
Dartmouth Museum features in the film, using its expertise and knowledge of historic artefacts from the Second World War.
Director Paul Potgieter will be incorporating the use of authentic war-time vehicles and hopefully the appearance of an aircraft from that period.
Paul said the crew would be made up entirely of volunteers and may include students from Dartmouth Academy and Kingsbridge Community College.
'Newcomers are welcome and may be trained in the skills required,' he said. 'Heritage Media TV has agreed to sponsor the filming and productions costs together with the costs of the Second World War vehicles and a possible appearance of an aircraft from the time.
'We need insurance, some props and to hire a boat and still need to raise £5,000. Pledges have already started coming in which we are very grateful.
'Grace will be filmed in various locations and we hope Dartmouth businesses and attraction providers will be happy to co-operate if asked to be involved.'
Anyone who would like to get involved either as a possible performer or as a crew member can get in touch by emailing [email protected]">[email protected] or by calling Paul on 07525 014343
Full details of the cast and crew requirements are available to view on the contacts page of the film company's website, http://www.dartmouthfilmcompany">www.dartmouthfilmcompany. co.uk.