In a surprising turn of events, the production of « Angels in the Asylum, » a new British indie film starring Simon Pegg and Katherine Waterston, has been halted indefinitely due to budgetary constraints. The film, which began shooting in early February, ran into financial trouble 15 days into what was scheduled to be a month-long filming process, leaving the production team unable to continue.
The Financial Hurdles
With a £5 million budget, « Angels in the Asylum » aimed to deliver a compelling narrative inspired by true events. However, despite strong initial support, including investments from various backers, the production fell short in securing a subsequent round of financing. This financial shortfall left approximately 150 crew members in limbo, with at least three weeks’ worth of wages, expenses, and holiday pay outstanding.
The movie’s cast, notably Simon Pegg, who also serves as an executive producer, has received due payment through protected agreements under the Equity union. Unfortunately, the producers, Rob Sorrenti and Heather Greenwood, find themselves unpaid and working tirelessly to resolve the funding gap.
The Storyline and Cast
« Angels in the Asylum » explores the harrowing experiences of women confined in isolation at Surrey’s Long Grove Asylum in the 1930s, after being identified as typhoid carriers. The film promised a remarkable cast, including Minnie Driver, Lesley Nicol, and Alex Jennings, with Cush Jumbo and Miriam Margolyes initially set to star.
The film’s narrative, praised for its strong script and potential for impactful storytelling, was designed to bring long-overdue attention to a significant historical injustice. Despite the production halt, sentiments from the involved parties remain optimistic.
Efforts to Revive Production
Producers Sorrenti and Greenwood are actively exploring funding avenues to revive the project. In a statement, they acknowledged the complexity of the situation and the emotional toll it has taken on everyone involved. Sorrenti expressed regret over the project’s pause but reinforced their determination to secure the necessary funds.
« We remain committed to making this film a reality. It’s a story that needs to be shared with the world, » Sorrenti stated, emphasizing their resolve to address outstanding obligations to both cast and crew. Executive producer Steven Daldry and Parkland Pictures CEO John Cairns have also indicated their support in finding a financial pathway to complete the film.
Impact on Crew and Industry Reflections
The disruption in production has left many crew members in financial jeopardy, some seeking legal action to recover owed wages. Support from Bectu and Equity is helping impacted members navigate this challenging period, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities within indie film financing.
The halt of « Angels in the Asylum » casts a spotlight on the unpredictabilities of film production, particularly for independent films that often rely on tight budgets and flexible financial backing. Yet, the industry’s response illustrates a collective commitment to overcoming these obstacles, driven by a shared belief in the story’s significance and potential impact.
Despite the current standstill, the film’s advocates remain hopeful, with comments from John Cairns indicating a willingness to continue efforts to fulfill the project’s vision. « This won’t be the end of the road for Angels in the Asylum, » he asserted, reinforcing the resolve to see the film through to completion.
