On the Edge drama anthology championing fresh new talent returns

31 July 2019

On The Edge, Channel 4’s BAFTA nominated anthology of (3x30) short films is back for a second series. The films, produced by BlackLight Television, a Banijay Group company, and written and directed by the most exciting new talent in the UK, look at the lives of three diverse characters trying to find their place in the world.

This year, the films focus on three unusual love stories depicting characters and worlds not often seen on British TV. With humour, truthfulness and warmth, the anthology asks: how do we navigate today’s complicated world? How do we share our inner challenges with the ones we love? And how do we form connections despite, or perhaps because of, our differences?

The cast across the anthology include BAFTA winner Jack Rowan (Born to Kill, Peaky Blinders), BAFTA nominated Amanda Redman (New Tricks, The Good Karma Hospital), Michael Socha (This is England ’90, Electric Dreams), Catherine Steadman (Downton Abbey, Victoria), Rudi Dharmalingam (The Split, Dark Money), Andi Osho (Kiri, Curfew), Shobna Gulati (Coronation Street, In the Club) WhatsOnStage Award winner Jamael Westman (Hamilton) and introducing newcomers India Eva Rae and Juliet Okotie.

On The Edge is developed though the 4Stories initiative, the channel’s commitment to finding brand new diverse talent.

Caroline Hollick, Head of Drama at Channel 4, said: “It’s such a privilege to be able to give a voice to the very best new writing and directing talent in On The Edge, 4Stories. This year’s films have a thrilling, fresh perspective on modern Britain, and are told with heart, humour and utter fearlessness.”

Philip Trethowan, Executive Producer for BlackLight Television, said: “We are delighted to be working with Channel 4 once again to introduce the best new writing and directing talent to the industry. Supporting such exciting and diverse emerging talent is something we are incredibly proud of and it is fantastic that Channel 4 provide the platform to make their voices heard.”

 

About the films:

Adulting

Adulting is a moving story about a neuro-diverse girl and a lost boy. Candice (India Eva Rae) is a young vulnerable woman who desperately wants some independence and has moved into her own flat. Kems (Jack Rowan - Born to Kill) is a young man, down on his luck, sleeping on his mate Olly’s (Michael Socha - This is England ’90) sofa to get away from his alcoholic dad. A chance meeting between the two leads to an intimate friendship, but when Olly calls in a favour, Kems feels under pressure to take advantage of Candice. Have they all underestimated her?

Written by Chinonyerem Odimba and directed by Ash Morris.

 

For You

For You is a funny and heartbreaking story about mental health. Rev (Rudi Dharmalingam – The Split) and girlfriend Alex (Catherine Steadman - Downton Abbey) are passionately in love but Rev suffers from anxiety and depression which he tries to control with therapy, medication and mindfulness. Things come to a head at Alex’s sister’s wedding weekend when Rev is confronted by her family’s prejudice. Will the pressure be too much to bear? Can Rev and Alex’s relationship survive? And will he ever be able to master a golf swing in front of his father in law? Also stars Amanda Redman (New Tricks) as Alex’s mother.

Written by J C Servante and directed by Stroma Cairns.

 

BBW

BBW is a funny, vibrant and heartwarming coming of age tale about a young plus-size British Nigerian woman trying to find her voice. Everyone in Remi’s (Juliet Okotie) life thinks they know what she should do. Her father (Jude Akuwudike - Fortitude) wants her forgiveness, her mother (Andi Osho - Kiri) wants her to grow up and get a job, her friends (Paisley Billings – Tattoo Fixers and Rose-Marie Christian) think she’s too trusting of her new man (Jamael Westman - Hamilton). Remi just wants her life to begin but will she ever be able to take control?

Written by Yolanda Mercy and directed by William Stefan Smith.