WEST Devon seems to be the desired setting for film-making this summer, with Steven Spielberg currently making his new film, Warhorse, in the area, and more recently two indie directors making their debut feature.

Lawrence McNeela and Andy Baker, stay-at-home dads from Bratton Clovelly and Launceston, have realised an ambition of a lifetime with The Moon Shines Bright, a classic English ghost story inspired by the folk song of the same name.

Lawrence said: 'We managed to make a ten grand film for one grand thanks to favours and the generosity of friends, family and the London Inn at Horrabridge. The weather was kind to us and the professional actors were fantastic.'

However, not everything ran exactly to plan as one of their proposed locations, an abandoned farmhouse at Sheepstor, was taken by the famous American director.

Andy said: 'I'd long had it in mind, so to find the world's greatest ever film-maker had set his latest blockbuster there was like a massive vindication of my choice of locations.

'However, it was also a massive headache, having to find a new location just two weeks before filming.'

Fortune smiled on the dads as they discovered somewhere even more suitable — Nun's Cross Farmhouse, owned by Kelly College.

Filming also took place on Whitchurch Down and at Drizzlecombe's stone rows.

The London Inn hosted a scene involving local folk singer Jenny Bishop.

The Moon Shines Bright team found Spielberg's crew to be extremely helpful and it was fun for those involved to witness at close hand how a multi-million pound set is built.

The Moon Shines Bright has now entered the post-production phase at M-Mad studios in Launceston, and the directors hope that it will be shown at the Wharf in Tavistock in recognition of the assistance provided by local people to the project.

Lawrence said: 'We really couldn't have made it without West Devoners, so it would be nice if there was an opportunity for them to see it in their town's cinema.

'We also plan to put on a showing in the London Inn with open fires and mulled wine, a perfect setting for a spine-tingler.'

Anybody interested in finding out more about the film, visit http://www.tmsb.moonfruit.co.uk">www.tmsb.moonfruit.co.uk or call Lawrence on 01566 785618.