A NEW science fiction movie will be shot in Bolton — as backers are being sought for the film being produced and directed by the next generation of filmmakers.

Bolton is fast becoming a popular location of choice for moviemakers — including those behind big Hollywood blockbusters — and filming for "2031" is scheduled to take place early next month.

The movie is set in a post-war zone following a drone war — 2031 is a battledrone nearing the end of its circuit life in the year 2031 after fighting bravely in many unnamed battles.

It explores how fast technology is changing and improving and how a battlefield could look in 20 years' time — will it be made up of robots with the question being which droid would you trust?

Casting for the film has taken place and now the production team are looking for locations in Bolton.

Mr Lee Bolton, a second year visual effects student at the University of Bolton, said: "The short film we are producing is part of one our modules using visual effects and special effects.

"As part of the degree, we are marked on how we develop the project and one of them is through media and fundraising — we have reached the target for the minimum funding needed, but we are still looking for people to back us so we have more money to spend on it and hire the cameras and equipment we need.

"The actors are giving their time for free as they get a showreel out of it.

"We want to make this a professional production and are filming it in Bolton, which is becoming popular as a film and television location."

Mr Bolton, aged 42, from Farnworth, is the owner of Bolton-based Elerby (correct) Studios, which has made promotional videos for clients such as Pepsi and produced music videos, including Blackheart's "Not over yet" which is receiving airplay on Radio 2, and was shot in Bolton and Manchester.

Mr Bolton, a former senior bank worker, went back to university to become a visual effects expert, and also acts as an extra, having appeared on 'Peeky Blinders' and 'A Monster Calls', which have both had shoots in Bolton.

In return for their investment, backers could find themselves credited on the film or be an extra on the battle scene.

Mr Bolton said: "The only brief we were given was the film had be centred around drones.

"We have cast three up-and-coming actors.

"We are looking to go that extra bit further, and it will look amazing."

For more information about the film and to give support: visit www.kickstarter.com/projects/554110925/2031-film?ref=nav_search