CRIME: PRODUCTION BEGINS ON BRITBOX ORIGINAL CRIME THRILLER

Crime, the original crime thriller adapted from the best-selling novel by Irvine Welsh, begins production this week in Edinburgh and Glasgow for a duration of twelve weeks. Marking Welsh’s first adaptation for television, Crime will be exclusive to BritBox and will be available to subscribers in the latter half of 2021.

Set in Edinburgh and directed by James Strong (Liar, Broadchurch, and the forthcoming BBC drama Vigil) and David Blair (Isolation Stories, The Barking Murders), the six-episode production stars Dougray Scott (Mission: Impossible 2, Batwoman, The Woman in White) as Detective Inspector Ray Lennox, who is investigating the disappearance of a schoolgirl while battling his own personal demons.

The series will also star Joanna Vanderham (Warrior, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow) as DS Amanda Drummond, Angela Griffin (Harlots, Dun Breedin’, White Lines) as Trudi Lowe, Ken Stott (The Dig, Fortitude, Devils) as Chief Superintendent Bob Toal and Jamie Sives (Guilt, Too Close) as Detective Inspector Dougie Gillman.

Crime is being produced by David Blair for Buccaneer Media and Off Grid Film and TV.

Irvine Welsh is adapting his novel for the screen alongside long-standing screenwriting partner Dean Cavanagh (Creation Stories). Executive producers are Irvine Welsh, Dean Cavanagh, Dougray Scott, Tony Wood, Richard Tulk-Hart, Pamela Hansson and James Strong.

Dougray Scott commented: “Irvine Welsh is one of Scotland’s greatest ever writers and I am proud and excited to be working on his first adaptation for television. It’s an honour to be working with such a talented cast, and creative team”.

Director James Strong added: “I’m thrilled to be starting production on this dramatic execution of Irvine’s brilliant novel. With a great cast in place we’re working together to create a classy work of pathos and genuine emotional quality which is grounded in gritty realism. Viewers can expect a dark, visceral, shocking ride”.

Crime will be available exclusively on BritBox UK in Autumn/Winter 2021.