Idris Elba is working hard to encourage and support new and emerging creatives in the business. Not only has he just wrapped the inaugural Write To Green Light competition with Lionsgate UK, which is designed to find new voices in the TV writing space, but he is now set to star alongside an array of young talent in BBC Three drama Five by Five.
The project is a series of short films from new writers featuring new on-screen talent working alongside established on-screen talent. It’s co-produced by BBC Studios and Elba’s Green Door Pictures banner.
Set in London, the five standalone films feature chance encounters people face which question identity and change perception. Elba will star alongside leading cast Georgina Campbell (Murdered by My Boyfriend), Michael Ajao (Cuffs), Ben Tavassoli (New Blood), Ruth Madeley (Don’t Take My Baby) and Sope Dirisu (Humans). Further cast include Jasmine Jobson (Flea), Taurean Steele (Knife Edge), Nina Yndis (Peaky Blinders) and Andrei Zayats (The Night Manager).
The 5×5 minute films are written by Cat Jones (Flea, Harlots) and new writers Lee Coan, Namsi Khan, Selina Lim and Nathaniel Price. The will be directed by Fan Girl’s Kate Herron.
Five by Five is produced by Dean Byfield and exec produced by Elba and BBC Studios’ Richard Stokes and Hillary Salmon. Jones will also co-exec produce. Filming has commenced in London for a week.
“I have spent time with these talented five writers and observed their story lining process,” said Elba. “The scripts are uplifting and incredible and with this group of young actors now attached to star, BBC Three viewers are in for an absolute blast. I couldn’t be prouder of what they have achieved.”
