The idea of filming the tale of the Brontes - Yorkshire's greatest literary family - in the Welsh valleys or on the Canadian prairie would seem blasphemous, but that could happen if local funding isn't found fast.

The film was expected to be shot at least in part in Haworth, where the family grew up in the 19th century, but overseas locations are being considered because Sheffield-based movie-makers Film Squared lost £350,000 in backing from an investor.

The £5 million movie was due to start shooting this spring and would be one of the biggest independent films ever made in the county. It will be directed by Emmy and Bafta award-winning Charles Sturridge, who also produced Brideshead Revisited, and potential stars include John Hurt, Joan Plowright and Kristin Scott-Thomas.

Film Squared managing director Nick Wild is calling on the Yorkshire business community to ensure the shortage of funding does not see the movie shot away from the Brontes' home.

He said: "It would be fantastic if the local business community played its part in helping us make this great film happen in the region. The possibility that the film may not be filmed on location in Yorkshire is a double blow to me personally. The last thing we want to do is take it out of the region." He is holding talks with companies and private investors and said the movie would offer them a worldwide audience. He stressed it was crucial that people came on board within the next month.

Screen Yorkshire, which promotes movie making in the county, is still backing the project.

Hugo Heppell, Screen Yorkshire's head of production, said he was backing the appeal by Nick Wild. But he was still waiting to hear from the producers about a revised financial plan since the previous backers pulled out.

"If it isn't filmed in Yorkshire, employing York-shire crew and spending money in Yorkshire, we are not able to financially support the project," he said.

Alan Bentley, Bronte Parsonage Museum director, said it was important to drum up support for the film to be made in Yorkshire. "We hope it happens here. It would be crazy for it to be filmed out of the county - we want to see some of it shot here in Haworth," he said.

Parts of the movie were expected to be shot in Haworth, particularly Main Street, a setting recognised world-wide.

The Bronte family - including Charlotte, Emily and Anne - grew up in the nearby Parsonage, now a shrine to their memory.