A film  about an eminent palaeontologist is a ‘brilliant opportunity’ – and it needs your help.


Funding is still needed if a film about the life of Mary Anning is to hit the screen next spring.


Lyme Regis’ own fossil hunter is the subject of a new two-part feature film starring Jenny Agutter of the Avengers, An American Werewolf in London and Call the Midwife.


Filming is well underway on the first film of Mary Anning and the Dinosaur Hunters, but funding has run short and another £10,000 is needed for its completion. 


The funding is needed for film stock and processing requirements.


Director Sharon Sheehan has the backing of Lyme Regis Town Council, which recently agreed to provide funding of £5,000 subject to both West Dorset District Council and Dorset County Council (DCC) offering ‘at least’ an equal amount of funding.


The town is extensively featured in the film. 


But Cllr Daryl Turner, DCC cabinet member for natural and built environment, says the county council ‘does not normally issue grants of this nature.’


He said: “However, we are looking into other options and funding sources that may be available to the project and will of course pass on any details as soon as we can.”


Lyme Regis town councillor Cheryl Reynolds says funding the film is a ‘no brainer’ as it could have a similar effect on the town as the 1980s film adaptation of The French Lieutenant’s Woman, which was filmed around the town.


“It was so good for the town,” said Cllr Reynolds. “Just like Broadchurch was brilliant for West Bay. This is a brilliant opportunity. We all need to help them to get this film made.”


Ms Sheehan, who recently released a trailer for the film which proved hugely popular, also remains positive about finding funding.

“We hope there will be funding somewhere and we will be able to get people on board,” said Ms Sheehan. 


“It has many people behind it and supporting it. The Natural History Museum is very excited about it. It’s all about getting Mary Anning’s name, and Dorset, out there.


“We will do it somehow, and it will get done eventually, but it would be helpful if we could have some help.


“I remain extremely grateful to Lyme Town Council for all of their valued support, and many thanks to DCC for their consideration. I’m looking forward to any other funding source options that they may have.”


The first Mary Anning and the Dinosaur Hunters film will cover Mary Anning’s childhood and lead up to her spectacular discovery of the ichthyosaur.


The second film, for which £100,000 is required, will cover Mary Anning’s adulthood and her discoveries of the plesiosaur and the pterodactyl.


If you are able to offer funding, or would like to discuss it, contact Ms Sheehan via email at sharonsheehanfilms@gmail.com