Connery aims to raise £3 million for animation project

A Glasgow production company is seeking funding for a £6m animated feature starring the voice of Sir Sean Connery -reports the BBC.

Sir Billi the Vet tells of an animal doctor from a Highland village who sets out with goat companion Gordon to save a rabbit that has fallen off a cliff.

Richard Briers, Ruby Wax, Alan Cumming, Miriam Margoyles and TV presenter Gail Porter are also lined up to appear.

Speaking in New York earlier this year, Sir Sean said it had "an exceptional cast" and would be "first class".

"It is really touching, funny, moving - and they have endless stories as it is based in a whole village," he added.

The veteran actor is in Edinburgh this week in his role as patron of the city's annual film festival.

Glasgow Animation Ltd had originally planned to make a 30-minute short film, but are now planning an 80-minute full-length feature.

The company has spent around £3m on development and pre-production and is seeking an additional £3m in non-public funding.

Sir Sean's contribution was recorded at his home in the Bahamas. Further recording has taken place in New York and London.

Composer Patrick Doyle has written the music for the film, the brainchild of husband-and-wife team Sacha and Tessa Hartmann.

"The family film genre has long been a driving force in the cinema and home video sell-through market," said Mr Hartmann.

"Whilst we appreciate we cannot compete in a monetary level with the majors, we can deliver competent technology, an original idea and an Oscar-winning cast."

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