Australian actor and director John Jarratt has launched a crowdfunding campaign for a new movie despite the fact he is still facing a rape charge.

The now 66-year-old - best known for his starring role in horror film 'Wolf Creek' - is accused of sexually assaulting an 18-year-old woman at a Randwick house in Sydney's eastern suburbs in September 1976.

Jarratt formally pleaded not guilty to the charge at a Downing District Court appearance back in February.

But instead of laying low ahead of his trial from July 1, the troubled actor launched a crowdfunding campaign for his next film project, 'What about Sal?'

Australian actor and director John Jarratt (left, with actor Gerard O'Dwyer) has launched a crowdfunding campaign for a new movie despite the fact he is still facing a rape charge

Jarratt joins co-star Gerard O'Dwyer - an actor living with down syndrome - in a short video that is strategically underscored with soft, sentimental music.

'This man here, he is an actor,' Mr O'Dwyer starts off the video.

'He is well known and famous … his name is John William Jarratt … and he’ll talk about What About Sal?'

Jarratt takes his cue and goes on to explain the plot and mentions the talented crew who have put in the hard yards to make the film come to life.

'It's a very moving story,' he says.

'A bit sad, a bit happy. It's got it all. And we had the best crew and the best cast all working for me and I'm very honoured to have them. We got everything to make the film,' he said.

That's when Jarratt finally gets to the point and says he's looking for more money to help make the film 'easier'.

'We're going to make it regardless, but a little bit of help from you guys would be great for a little Aussie film.

'Maybe just stop having coffee for a week and put that money in for us,' he says.

The GoFundMe page was only set up last week, but has already made close to $3,000 of its intended $110,000 target.