WORK has started on a small film that's big on action.

Independent film company 24:25 Films is this week producing a trailer for ShortFellas, a movie starring five gun-toting dwarfs, at Aspers Casino, in Newcastle.

The company hopes the clip will attract a backer to invest the remaining capital needed for filming to start on the £1.5m production.

The film follows five dwarfs who rob a Newcastle bank.

The gang want the cash, but they also want to pay for an operation for their getaway driver's daughter.

After the raid, the gang loses the money and is forced to do another job - a £5m diamond heist.

The lead is played by Warwick Davis, who has previously starred in the Chronicles of Narnia, Willow, the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and several of the Star Wars films.

Speaking yesterday, he said: "I initially got the script for ShortFellas about three years ago and even at that point in its first draft it was a really good read.

"It was very visual and very funny - that's what attracted me to the project.

"These days in Hollywood it is not good enough to have a really good script. You need to demonstrate to potential investors exactly what it's all about.

"Personally, I think the name ShortFellas sells it on its own."

Debut writer and director Richard Johnstone, from the Newcastle-based film company, said: "The film is a pacey, independent, British action flick - it's very light-hearted, very quirky and in the same vein as the Italian job or Ocean's Eleven.

"I'm pleased the script has attracted such a high level of interest, particularly from actors such as Warwick Davis."

Producer Steven O'Brien said: "Judging by the industry interest we've already managed to generate, we're confident it will succeed at the box office."

The film company will finish filming at the casino tomorrow.

The trailer will then be edited and shown to potential backers.

If funding is secured, the film will be shot in the North-East using crew based in the region.

Producers are hoping filming can start next year, with the film reaching the cinemas before next Christmas.