A FEATURE-length motion picture directed by a film maker from Thornbury, has announced “Gotham” and “Inside Out” actor Richard Kind as its leading man.

Indie film “Auggie”, the directorial debut of former Castle School pupil Matt Kane focuses on Felix, portrayed by Kind, a family man who, after being forced into an early retirement, falls in love with “Auggie”, an augmented reality companion - to the detriment of his relationship with his wife and daughter.

Filming has begun in Connecticut today, with Kane, who is also co-writer and co-producer, saying he has been “super excited” to get cameras rolling.

An accomplished stage and screen actor, Tony Award nominated Kind boasts an incredible range of credits, including the likes of “Argo”, “Scrubs” and Disney Pixar animated film “A Bugs Life”.

Speaking of the casting prior to filming, Kane told the Gazette: “I am incredibly grateful to have someone not only as decent a human being, but as significant and powerful an actor as Richard on board this film.

“I think he’s going to be perfect for the role and I couldn’t think of anyone better to bring this character to life.”

Having moved to Los Angeles in 2011, Kane has acted in a number of notable productions with screen credits on both sides of the pond including The Last of Robin Hood, alongside Kevin Klein and Dakota Fanning, ABC’s Once Upon a Time, Channel 4’s Skins and The Six Wives of Henry VIII.

Also featuring heavily in Auggie’s production is cinematographer, and fellow Castle alum, Natasha Mullan, whose impressive resume features the likes of True Detective, War for the Planet of the Apes and the Oscar-winning The Revenant.