DIRECTOR'S BLOG #002

Well, the writers have done it again - astounding both me and Jason with an amazing new draft of the script. VICTIM just gets better and better. The story of how main character TYSON tries to break out of a cycle of debt and crime is tighter than ever - dramatic from start to finish, but at the same time rooted in the reality of London life. Well done Michael and Ashley, and co-writing team Michael and Adrian.

Meanwhile, casting is going strongly. Subject to contract, we are expecting Ashley Madekwe to star in the film as 'Tia', alongside some fantastic urban music artistes such as Giggs.

Casting is one of the great pleasures for a director - meeting talented actors, and hearing their interpretation of the script. The actors we have met so far have been brilliant, and I would like to thank them all for making the effort of seeing us either at the Oval, or trekking out to Upton Park. We are trying to cast a tight knit group of friends, whose delicate relationships are disturbed when an out-of-town cousin comes to stay ('Tia', to be played by Ashley Madekwe). With each actor comes a different vision, and the creative part of casting is trying to imagine how different combinations of actors will work. If we get the casting right, then this film will be a blinder.

A big thanks to the agencies which have helped us out so far: BWH; Gordon&French; Identity; and Roger Carey. Also to casting director Angela Grosvenor.

Keep watching this space to get the latest casting updates.