The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey is featuring in a new independent sci-fi thriller filmed entirely in Nottingham.<\/p>\n
The Correction Unit tells the story of a group of violent and misguided young offenders who are experimented on using AI technology at a sinister institute.<\/p>\n
Nottingham actor, Ramsey, 21, provides the voice of nTrac, the central AI system at the fictional institute.<\/p>\n
The world premiere of the film takes place on Tuesday evening at Broadway Cinema, Nottingham.<\/p>\n
Director and producer, Derry Shillitto, said he hopes Bella Ramsey’s involvement will help the film reach a wider audience [BBC]<\/p>\n
Set in a dystopian present, The Correction Unit explores the question: What happens to the most vulnerable in our society when the most powerful embrace artificial intelligence?<\/p>\n
Derry Shillitto, 33, who directed and produced the movie, said he was inspired to write about AI when he was teaching in Nottingham during the Covid-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n
“I had this idea that if we are going to pursue this future with AI and these people who are controlling the technology, what’s their intention?”<\/p>\n
“So that was why we wrote the film, basically to try to capture that and to try and make it an exciting sci-fi thriller,” he added.<\/p>\n
The film is the director’s debut feature-length production and was created by Foyle River Films on a budget of \u00a3150,000.<\/p>\n
It was filmed at various locations in Nottingham and features actors from the city.<\/p>\n
Mr Shillitto said: “The kids that we cast in the film had to be from Nottingham.”<\/p>\n
“They had to have this rebellious but charming nature and I think they do and I’m really proud we got that on screen,” he said.<\/p>\n
Bella Ramsey is best known for playing Ellie in the post-apocalyptic drama series The Last of Us.<\/p>\n
Mr Shillitto said working with the actor and having their involvement in the film was amazing.<\/p>\n
He added: “They’re just the best person I’ve spent time with in a long time to be honest, and very supportive.”<\/p>\n
He said: “They’re a very down-to-earth person, you can tell they’ve spent a lot of time in Nottingham and they love Nottingham.”<\/p>\n
Actor Kirsty Smedley said being part of the film was a dream come true [BBC]<\/p>\n
Nottingham actor Kirsty Smedley, 44, plays the part of Yvonne Bakewell, who is the driving force at The Correction Unit.<\/p>\n
“‘It’s been brilliant. Two years of my life, she’s become a part of me, some of my family call me Yvonne.<\/p>\n
“I’ve loved every minute of it.”<\/p>\n
There’s none of the glitz and glamour you might expect from starring in a feature film.<\/p>\n
Ms Smedley has a day job working in distribution and had to take annual leave to work on the film.<\/p>\n
Follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook<\/a>, on X<\/a>, or on Instagram<\/a>. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk<\/a> or via WhatsApp<\/a> on 0808 100 2210.<\/p>\nMore on this story<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n