Nottingham sci-fi thriller The Correction Unit launches crowdfunding campaign
Nottingham sci-fi thriller The Correction Unit launches crowdfunding campaign
A new film focusing on a dystopian warning of AI manipulation in education is looking for support to complete the final stages of its production.
Written and directed by local filmmaker Derry Shillitto, The Correction Unit is the film debut for many young Nottingham actors with the producers also helping to secure an international distribution agreement.
The team are now looking to secure an additional £10,000 from public funding to finish post-production and get themselves over the finishing line.
The film itself was conceived to warn of the dangers of AI manipulation on young vulnerable people. It tells the story of Shawn who is trapped in a seemingly endless cycle of crime in a city stricken with violence and poverty. After being kicked out of another young offenders’ institute, nTrac - a futuristic new AI educational facility - provides him with the opportunity to start again.
But as nTrac begins to exert more and more control over Shawn’s life in the form of invasive and manipulative AI, the true intentions of the facility become apparent.
When a fellow inmate is violently killed, Shawn and his loyal friend Tish lead the other offenders in revolt, facing a desperate race against time and technology to escape nTrac’s sinister influence.
Ex-Confetti teacher, Derry, knows first-hand how online media can impact young vulnerable people. He says, “There is research that shows online media may be contributing to the increasing amount of violence and knife crime amongst young people in the UK. The Correction Unit was written to explore what responsibility online media has for this increase and how a future that is heavily reliant on AI will affect young people. What happens to the most vulnerable in our society when the most powerful embrace AI?”
Many of the cast had no acting experience and were street cast in Nottingham. A number of the actors have been impacted directly and indirectly by gang violence and crime. They were encouraged to share and explore their lived experiences and subsequently contributed to the script and the development of their characters’ narratives.
Sonny Middleton, who plays Shawn, said: “I’ve met some great people and bonded with the actors and all the people on set. It’s been a great experience working behind the scenes and I hope to progress my future in film.”
The producers have also committed to editing showreels for the entire cast, hoping to create opportunities to kickstart their film careers too.
Derry added, “It was important for The Correction Unit to offer the young cast and crew a creative and rewarding experience during the school holidays. We have been astonished by the first-time actors and the level of dedication that they have given the project so far. The performances possess a power and truthfulness that can’t be taught.”
The Correction Unit’s crowdfunder campaign on the Greenlit platform has a tiered system of incentives, ranging from original film props to a mention in the end credits and Associate Producer credits on IMDB. All supporters will receive early access to behind-the-scenes images, footage and updates, including exclusive content from cast and crew.
For more information about The Correction Unit’s crowdfunder visit https://greenlit.com/project/correction-unit
Further info on their website https://thecorrectionunit.com/
