Production on Bruce Willis' independent film Wake has been shut down just 10 days into shooting because of problems securing financing.

The Die Hard actor had already begun shooting the thriller in Cleveland, Ohio, but filming had to be put on hold as producers were left scrambling for funding, according to Deadline.

Bosses at the film's production company, Benaroya Pictures, have confirmed the shut down, insisting they are hopeful filming will be up and running again soon.

A statement from the producers reads: "Benaroya Pictures is working quickly to remedy the delay in production on the feature film Wake, and we are optimistic we will resume principal photography in approximately 2-3 weeks."

Willis plays a sociopath who returns to his childhood home on a remote island for his brother's wake in the film. It also stars Sir Ben Kingsley, Ellen Burstyn and Piper Perabo.