Malcolm Venville has started shooting his directorial debut feature, 44 Inch Chest. The film stars Ray Winstone, Ian McShane, John Hurt, Tom Wilkinson, Joanne Whalley, Stephen Dillane and Melvil Poupaud.

The film is shooting for seven weeks on location in East London and at Elstree Studios.

The film is about a man whose wife is unfaithful with a French waiter; he and his gang of friends go in search of revenge.

Sexy Beast writers Louis Mellis and David Scinto wrote the screenplay. Producers are Richard Brown and Steve Golin. Paul Green will executive produce.

Brown said: 'Louis' and David's brilliantly dark and funny script has attracted an extraordinary ensemble of actors and Malcolm Venville is the perfect director to bring it to life. We think we have the elements in place for a remarkable and compelling film.'

Prescience Film Finance, Anonymous Content and Twilight Production & Entertainment Corporation are financing. IM Global is handling worldwide sales, with Alliance Films on board fore the UK (Momentum), Spain (Aurum) and Canada (Alliance).

Venville has previously worked as a photographer and commercials director.