Rehab - a powerful new drama for BBC TWO
Filming
has begun on Rehab, a powerful drama for BBC TWO from acclaimed
director Antonia Bird (Care, Priest, Safe), which takes a hard-hitting
look at one of the most pressing social issues of our times - the
rehabilitation of drug users, it was announced today by Jane Tranter,
BBC Controller of Drama Commissioning.
Co-produced
by Ruth Caleb and Antonia Bird who last worked together on the multi-award-winning
Care, Rehab stars Caroline Patterson (EastEnders), Gary Lewis (Billy
Elliot), Kate Hardie (Croupier), Daniel Mays (All or Nothing), Katy
Cavanagh (Cops) and Andrew Tiernan (The Pianist).
Rehab
is a moving story of people struggling to get clean. But first they
must come to terms with the demons in their past and keep each other,
and themselves, from giving up on the fight to get through the toughest
time of their lives.
Jane
Tranter said: "Antonia has a history of making stylish, entertaining
and accessible films about uncomfortable issues which impact on
many people.
"Rehab
is an ambitious drama which addresses a difficult subject with verve,
humour and imagination."
Rehab
was created during a series of improvisation workshops.
The
cast worked with Antonia Bird and writer Rona Munro (Ladybird, Ladybird
and Bumping the Odds), who spent time living in a rehabilitation
centre in preparation for the project, over a five-week period to
shape the final script.
Other
cast members include Freddie Cunliffe (War Zone), Paul Popplewell
(24 Hour Party People), Marcel McCalla (101 Dalmations) and Richard
Harrington (Care).
Producer/Director
Antonia Bird said: "I've always been struck by the complexity
of a world where drugs kill and cure. Where no-one is immune.
"Learning
to face reality, refusing refuge in clichés and lies; fighting
to find a way out: that's what Rehab is about.
"As
one of the characters says, 'These are some of the strongest people
you'll ever meet. This is the hardest thing they've ever done.'
We can all learn from them."
Ruth
Caleb's recent credits include Tomorrow La Scala!, When I Was 12,
and Last Resort (also for BBC Films).
Caleb
and Bird worked together on Care, which recently won the Prix Italia
for Best Drama (singles) as well as the BAFTA Award for Best Single
Drama.
At
the same awards, Caleb received the Alan Clarke Award for Creative
Contribution to Television.
Rehab
is a BBC production in association with 4Way Films. The executive
producer is Laura Mackie. Written by Rona Munro, Rehab is produced
by Antonia Bird and Ruth Caleb and directed by Antonia Bird.
Rehab
is the first production from 4Way Pictures, a new company formed
by Antonia Bird, Robert Carlyle, Mark Cousins and recently joined
by Irvine Welsh.
They
are developing an extensive slate of feature films and TV projects,
including Antonia and Irvine's film Hotel California (with BBC Films)
and a co-production with the legendary American indie director John
Sayles, starring Robert Carlyle as Jamie Macgillivray.
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