David Farnor | On 12, Nov 2016

Idris Elba will work with an array of young British talent in Five by Five, a collection of shorts for BBC Three.

Set in London, the five standalone films feature chance encounters people face which question identity and change perception. The films are written by Cat Jones (Flea, Harlots), and new writers Lee Coan, Namsi Khan, Selina Lim and Nathaniel Price. They will be directed by Screen International Star of Tomorrow Kate Herron (Fan Girl).

The Luther actor will star alongside leading cast Georgina Campbell (Murdered by My Boyfriend), Michael Ajao (Cuffs), Ben Tavassoli (New Blood), Ruth Madeley (Don’t Take My Baby), and Sope Dirisu (Humans). Further cast include Jasmine Jobson (Flea), Taurean Steele (Knife Edge), Nina Yndis (Peaky Blinders), and Andrei Zayats (The Night Manager).

Elba will also exec produce the project for Green Door Pictures, alongside producer Dean Byfield, and Richard Stokes and Hilary Salmon of BBC Studios.

“I have spent time with these five talented writers and observed their storylining process,” comments the actor. “The scripts are uplifting and incredible, and with this group of young actors now attached to star, BBC Three viewers are in for an absolute blast. I couldn’t be prouder of what they have achieved.”

Damien Kavanagh, Controller of BBC Three, adds: “This BBC Three collaboration with Idris and Green Door gives opportunities to some of the best and brightest new talent to work with some of the biggest and most established talent around. It’s a win win for everyone involved and I’m delighted BBC Three can be part of something like this.”

The project follows the announcement that BBC Three will also showcase up-and-coming BAME writing talent from across the UK in another anthology of five shorts: The Break II, a collaboration between BBC Drama Production and BBC Writersroom. Find out more here.

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