Talent line-up announced for new series of Random Acts

Channel 4 today announces the exciting talent line- up for the new series of Random Acts, its short form late night arts strand.

Leading the 6 part series will be Car Wash (or, Annihilation) a short film starring Gemma Chan, James Norton and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, narrated by Shia LaBeouf. The story of one woman, two men and a series of uncomfortably timed confessions, interrupted by a decidedly talkative narrator, is written by the award-winning novelist Adam Thirlwell and directed by playwright Polly Stenham.

The series, which will be hosted by Jordan Stephens, star of Rizzle Kicks and E4’s Glue, also features Roadkill, a short written and directed by Reggie Yates which tells the story of Den, a middle-aged convict from inner-city London as he reflects on his life and crimes.  

The series also showcases  films from 12 young artists from across the country as part of the major £6m 3 year partnership between Channel 4 and Arts Council England, dedicated to finding and backing new filmmaking talent across the country.

Jordan Stephens will also present his own short The Game, a short film about relationships and video games.

Riz Ahmed has also contributed to the new series by directing an exclusive new music video for his hip hop side project Swet Shop Boys.   
                                                                                                                                          
Another compelling piece in the series is Sulphur Spring, an emotive film led by Cecilia Macfarlane, a dancer with Parkinson’s disease.

Other contributors include critically-acclaimed electronic artist Hudson Mohawke, celebrated visual artist Rachel Maclean and documentary filmmaker Florian Habicht in a special film commissioned by Doug Aitken.

The strand is edited by Pegah Farahmand. The series has been made by Renowned Films.

Lina Prestwood, Head of Factual at Renowned Films said:
"Random Acts remains one of the last bastions of truly experimental television and I'm excited for Renowned to build on the success of the first series in collaboration with the Arts Council England and Pegah at Channel 4. As a young, British short film creator himself, Jordan's the perfect host for series two."

Pegah Farahmand, Commissioning Editor, Random Acts said:  
"I feel so proud to showcase such a strong collection of artists’ short films from some of the biggest names in cinema to the most exciting young talent in the country.  We’re delighted that Jordan, with his inspiring and passionate enthusiasm for film making, is hosting this series."