West End Films has launched worldwide sales of Ignition, a high-concept thriller starring Emmy-nominated Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones, The New Look, Practical Magic 2) and written and directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker James Erskine (Copa 71, Billy, Sachin: A Billion Dreams).
The film co-stars BAFTA nominee Rory Kinnear (No Time to Die, The Diplomat, The Imitation Game) and Lovi Poe (Badman, Seasons).
West End Films is releasing a first look today and will be giving buyers exclusive footage of the film at the next Marché du Film in Cannes.
In “Ignition,” currently in post-production, Williams’ character Sylvie Johnson is told by an anonymous caller that a bomb has been placed in her car, causing chaos on her way to London. Trapped and cut off from outside help, Sylvie is forced to follow the terrorists’ instructions, her every move watched, and no option to deliver the time bomb to its target, the Royal Albert Hall. Sylvie must face her deepest secrets, use all her wits to survive, and discover why she was drawn into this elaborate terrorist plot.
The film is written and directed by Erskine and produced by Victoria Gregory (Maiden, Man on Wire, Copa 71), Erskine, Sean Sorensen (Black and Blue, Worth), Adriel Thomas, Jason Maza (Twist, 10×10), and Mark Stewart (The Heist, Escape Plan). The creative team includes BAFTA-winning cinematographer Tim Cragg (The Deep Breath, Three Identical Strangers, Wilding).
Lovi Poe in “Ignition”. Copyright NBF Studio 1
“Ignition” was shot using what Erskine calls a “live cinema” approach, designed to capture the action with maximum immediacy and authenticity. Shot in real locations and on live roads, the production uses a pre-rigged, remote-controlled multi-camera system (including a built-in 8K camera), allowing the performance to unfold without the crew being visible.
“‘Ignition’ is a story of paranoia, technology and the courage to face the truth, about a young woman who unwittingly becomes embroiled in a horrific terrorist plot,” Erskine said. “We wanted the audience to be fully immersed in Sylvie’s experience as the event unfolded, capturing the immediacy and psychological pressure that builds in real time. It creates the ideal platform for Maisie Williams’ extraordinary central performance.”
Maya Amselem, managing director of WestEnd Films, added: “‘Ignition’ is a tense, propulsive thriller built around a bold and innovative ‘live cinema’ approach. James’ real-time structure creates a uniquely engaging and immersive experience rarely seen on screen before. We look forward to introducing the film to Cannes buyers.”
The film was acquired under WeLove, a West End label specializing in developing and producing female-led stories and championing female talent.
Ignition is produced by New Black Films under the New Bright Films label in association with Playhouse Pictures and Sharp House, with assistance from Royal Viking Entertainment, Epic EV Studios, Vectorscope Films and Sesto Lovi Productions.
Executive producers include Williams, Michael Safai, Montgomery Blencowe, John Levin (All the Empty Rooms), Randy Jones Toll (The Roofman), Stephen J. Toll (The Roofman), Ian Sharp, and Pat Wintersgill.
