AN OSCAR nominated film maker has this week told how growing up in the Vale of Leven helped fuel her American dream.

Sharon Colman grew up in Cook Road, attended both Haldane Primary School and Vale of Leven Academy, before moving to the US.

And she's making waves on the other side of the pond- as well as movies- after being nominated in 2006 for an Academy award for her short film, Badgered; a dark comedy about a Badger whose need for tranquility is disturbed by a nuclear storage silo.

Now she is back working on a new independent animated short- a satire about the American Bison’s struggle to remain the spirit of freedom.

But the 38 year-old former graduate student of the Glasgow School of Art, insisted that the idyllic countryside surrounding Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven inspired her to get into the movie making industry.

Speaking to The Reporter from her home in southern California Sharon, 38, said: "My dad is a photographer and he taught me how to use a 35mm camera at a young age.

"He also encouraged me to look at the world differently through a camera lens. That definitely helped with composition.

"We also spent a lot of time climbing the local mountains and walking past farms.

"I was so lucky to grow up right next to Balloch park where I spent a lot of time.

"Most of my work is influenced by nature and wildlife and growing up around that rubbed off."

'Roamin' is the latest project Sharon is embarking on. It is a satire about the American Bison's struggle to remain the spirit of freedom.

And Sharon hopes to enlist the help of the generous West Dunbartonshire public in order to get Roamin' produced.

Sharon, who has been living in the US since 2006, said: "This animal is iconic in North America, yet they are no longer able to live up to their name.

"I want to use the bison as a way to get people to reconnect with wildlife and look at the bigger picture.

"Humans always seem to have an unintended effect on the eco system but I'm going to tell this story with humour to make it more palatable."

Sharon's offering some cool rewards for those who can help make the film a reality and if it comes off she'll be living the dream.

She said: "If I can get this film funded then I'll be living MY dream.

"When you want to make an independent film you have to make compromises. For example, I live frugally.

"It is hard for anyone who wants to make their own project no matter where you live.

"It doesn't really fit into the criteria of the 'American Dream.'"

Long term Sharon intends of continuing her career as an independent film maker and it's hoped that Roamin' will help lead to even bigger projects in the future.

And she's got some advice for any would-be film makers in Dumbarton.

She said: "If you have a story to tell, whether it's political, environment or even silly, it has to be worth sharing with the tribe.

"It's not an easy path to take. There are easier career paths, especially if you want to make money and live big.

"It's a lifestyle choice that wont suit everyone.

"But if you need that creative outlet then my best advice is try to stay focused on your passion.

"Don't fall into the box society builds for us.

"The world needs renegades. And skills and technology can be taught.

"It's changing all the time anyway, but passion and creativity comes from within. That cannot be taught."

It's hoped that work on Sharon's new film will be finished in April 2017.

She added: "Hand drawn animation is labour intensive but it's important to me that it looks organic.

"I've been developing the story and style for over a year now on and off.

"The story structure is locked and I'm now working on interpenetrating the story points visually before animation begins."

Sharon has a crowd funding page for anyone who wants to help support her film.

If you want to find out more or donate go to https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/857084756/roamin-an-animated-short-film?ref=nav_search