Farming at the festivals

It's been fascinating following the progress of the Bovine film - but the countryside is obviously a hot topic when it comes to the big screen because I've just heard about another farming-related film project.

Emerging filmmaker Nick Jones is planning to make a short film about agriculture, hopefully featuring an A-list actor in the leading role, to raise funds for rural charities.

Nick, who grew up on a farm in the West Midlands, reckons the 15 to 20-minute story will highlight the "plight and struggle of British farmers and the rural way of life".

The film, which could have a BAFTA winning editor, will be shot next year and then launched onto the festival circuit.

"I love farming," says Nick (pictured above, with his father). "My father is a farmer, as was my grandfather and many of my extended family. It's not just a job, it's a way of life, and an industry that our country has been built upon."

Nick, whose production company is called Grass Roots Media, reckons it'll cost £20,000 to fund the venture so has embarked on a fundraising drive. He plans to raise cash by holding a limited number raffle (ideally selling 2000 tickets at £10 each), with prizes up for grabs including a holiday to Spain and VIP tickets to a West End show.

Profits from the initiative will go to the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and the Countryside Alliance Foundation.

Find out more about how you can get involved here.