WestEnd Films has boarded world sales on “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,” “Billie,” “Sachin: A Billion Dreams”).
The film co-stars BAFTA nominee Rory Kinnear (“No Time to Die,” “The Diplomat,” “The Imitation Game”), and Lovi Poe (“Bad Man,” “Seasons”).
WestEnd Films is revealing a first look today and will present exclusive footage from the film to buyers at the upcoming Marché du Film in Cannes.
Currently in post-production, “Ignition” sees Williams plays Sylvie Johnson, whose drive to London is thrown into chaos when an anonymous caller informs her that a bomb has been planted in her car. Trapped and cut off from any outside help, Sylvie is forced to follow the terrorist’s instructions, her every move watched, and with no choice to deliver the ticking bomb to its target — the Royal Albert Hall. Sylvie must confront her deepest secrets, use all her wits to survive and uncover why, of all people, she’s been entangled in this elaborate terror 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 (“Heist,” “Escape Plan”). The creative team includes BAFTA-winning director of photography Tim Cragg (“The Deepest Breath,” “Three Identical Strangers,” “Wilding”).
“Ignition” was shot using what Erskine calls a “live cinema” approach, designed to capture the action with maximum immediacy and authenticity. Filmed in real locations and on live roads, the production used pre-rigged, remotely operated multi-camera systems — including embedded 8K cameras — allowing performances to unfold without a visible crew.
“’Ignition’ follows a young woman unwittingly drawn into a terrifying terrorist plot — a story of paranoia, technology, and the courage to confront the truth,” said Erskine. “I wanted the audience to feel completely inside Sylvie’s experience as events unfold, capturing a sense of immediacy and psychological pressure that builds in real time. It creates the ideal platform for Maisie Williams’s extraordinary central performance.”
Added Maya Amsellem, managing director of WestEnd Films: “Ignition is a tense, propulsive thriller built around a bold and innovative ‘live cinema’ approach. James’s real-time structure creates a uniquely gripping, immersive experience — something we’ve rarely seen on screen before. We’re excited to introduce the film to buyers in Cannes.”
The film has been acquired under WeLove, WestEnd’s label dedicated to developing and producing female-driven stories and championing female talent.
‘Ignition” was produced by New Black Films under their New Bright Films label, together with Playhouse Pictures, Sharp House and in association with Royal Viking Entertainment, Epic EV Studios, Vectorscope Films and C’est Lovi Productions.
Executive producers include Williams, Michael Safai, Montgomery Blencowe, Jon Levin (“All The Empty Rooms”), Randy Jones Toll (“Roofman”), Steven J. Toll (“Roofman”), Ian Sharp and Pat Wintersgill.
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