Attack The Block Research

How was it produced?

Big talk productions produced the Film with Film 4, The UK Film Council and Studio Canal. The Block itself was a composite of various council estates across London.
The film was shot across London from March to May 2010, with 6 weeks of night shoots on the Heygate Estate in Elephant and Castle, Myatts Field Brixton Oval tube station in Kennington and the Bemerton Estate in Islington. Interior scenes were filmed at Three Mills Studios in east London.

What was it based on?

The film is slightly based on Joe Cornish (the director) and when he was mugged near his home in Stockwell, south London. He was mugged by a group of teenagers and after he investigated the kind of kids who robbed him, talking to children on the street and in youth clubs. He then put in some film fantasy and included aliens.  He made the film this type of genre because he was inspired by the films he grew up in the 80’s with like ET, Gremlins, Critters and Predator.

Were there any problems that arose in making the film?

One of the problems was that US distributors were concerned that American audiences might not understand the strong South London accents, and may have even used subtitles if it were to be released in the United States. Joe Cornish acknowledge this and said that the audience can understand the language.

How they saved money?

Money was saved in the film by them not using good special effects or CGI on the aliens. Joe Cornish didn’t spend a lot of money on the special effects because they wasn’t enough money for the film to use this. They also saved money by using unknown actors so they didn’t have to pay them highly.

What was the films rating?

The film was rated 15.

How was the film promoted?

The film had an official website which promoted the film. Also there was a trailer and posters released which promoted the film.

The Soundtrack

The films soundtrack was created by the electronic dance music group Basement Jaxx.
It included 20 tracks and was released in May, 2011.