A new short film is in the works to promote Ottawa's screen actors.

It's called We Work Ottawa, and its crew began shooting Saturday morning. Its cast includes an array of local actors and Dan Aykroyd, who lent his famous name and his talent to the endeavour.

"Having him there just adds that little punch that we need for this project and we were thrilled that he responded immediately to the request," said Pete Dillon, the man behind this unique promotional tool.

Dan Aykroyd, arguably Ottawa's most famous entertainment export, returned to his hometown this weekend to help promote local actors.

Dillon hopes We Work Ottawa can convince producers who film in the city to consider casting Ottawa performers, 300 of whom reside in the capital.

He got the idea several years ago when an actor announced a movie was going to be filmed in Ottawa because of the Parliament Buildings.

"So that kind of knocked the wind out of me, and a few other people," Dillon said.

We Work Ottawa will be between three and five minutes, action-packed and a great dramatic showcase for local actors, Dillon promised.

He said the finished short will be completed in two or three months and will be available online.