Shirley Bassey to work with Sean Connery again

Producers at Scottish based independent Billi Productions Ltd have officially announced this week that British singing legend Dame Shirley Bassey has joined the project to perform the title track 'Guardian of the Highlands' in the forthcoming animated feature film 'Sir Billi', starring the voice of Sir Sean Connery. It is indeed the first time Sir Sean and Dame Shirley have worked together since Goldfinger!

After 5 years in production, the original feature created by husband and wife team Sascha and Tessa Hartmann is currently in post production, due for completion and release in 2010.

Scotland's first full length animated feature also stars a host of A list talent including Alan Cumming, Miriam Margolyes, Ruby Wax, Alex Norton, Ford Kiernan, Greg Hempill, Barbara Rafferty, John Amabile, Larry Sullivan and US based newcomer Chris Jai Alex and NYC night queen Amy Sacco, with her first foray as a voice artist.

When asked how the collaboration with Dame Shirley came about Director Sascha Hartmann, who also composed the original song said: "My wife Tessa and I agreed that Dame Shirley was the ultimate artist to perform the title track for this film, especially given the 'Bond' connection of Sir Sean and Dame Shirley. So I sat down and wrote a song for her! Tessa approached her management and thankfully she fell in love with the song. It really was a dream come true for us as she is an absolute icon, consummate professional and a pleasure to work with".

The song has already been recorded and Dame Shirley is thrilled with the outcome. When asked how the producers persuaded her to join the project, Dame Shirley said:

"There was no persuading needed here, I liked the song from the moment I heard it. Sascha and Tessa made the process incredibly fun and easy for me and we got a great result".