Life 'n' Lyrics, the London-set rap drama from new British outfitFiesta Productions, has secured a new director.

Richard Laxton, whose recentcredits include TV series Outlawsand Bodies, is to take over thereins following the departure of the original director, Lexi Alexander, daysbefore shooting was due to begin.

Backed by the UK FilmCouncil, which has invested £1,142,500 in Lottery money, and BBC Films as wellas by Scion and the Media Programme of the European Union, the £2.7m project isproduced by Esther Douglas and Fiona Neilson who set up Fiesta in 2004.

Ashley Walters stars asDanny, a south London DJ who clashes with North London rivals.

Universal has taken UKrights to the film, which is being sold internationally by Beyond. Life'n'Lyrics is now scheduled to shoot inearly October.