Shooting underway on Ben Drew (Plan B)'s feature debut Ill Manors

Shooting has begun on Ill Manors, the feature directorial debut of Ben Drew (aka musician Plan B), and the sixth micro budget feature to come out of Film London’s Microwave scheme.

Riz Ahmed and Natalie Press star in the film, which is set in East London and focuses on four core characters as they try to survive on the streets.It is being made for under $155,000 (£100,000).

The screenplay has also been written by Drew, who is best known for his music career, most notably the album The Defamation Of Strickland Banks.He has simulataneously been developing his film career, appearing in Noel Clarke’s Adulthood and making the short film Michelle, which was produced as a pilot for Ill Manors.

Drew was also named as one of Screen’s Stars of Tomorrow in 2009.

Atif Ghani is producing the film, which will shoot for four weeks in various locations across East London. The film has been developed by Film London as part of its Microwave scheme, which has produced five features to date including Shifty and Freestyle. Ill Manors is also being backed by BBC Films.

Drew said he was “delighted that Ill Manors is finally moving from an idea in my head into people, things and real locations. We have a great team and cast, and I am excited about what we will try and do together!”