A film exploring the gritty horrors of an abusive childhood is being filmed in Croydon.
Local author Kevin Lewis grew up in terrible conditions on a council estate in New Addington and was systematically abused by his parents.
Beaten and starved at home and bullied at school, Kevin fell into a life of crime, earning the nickname “the Kid” in London’s underground boxing scene.
Despite his terrible beginnings, he managed to turn his life around and is now a successful crime writer, happily married with two children.
Mr Lewis’s first book The Kid, tells the story of his dreadful upbringing and is being brought to life on screen by Director Nick Moran.
Best known for appearing in Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, The Kid will be Mr Moran’s second foray into directing.
It is being filmed in north London and in Croydon.
Filming started on Bank Holiday Monday with a market scene in the suitably derelict St George’s Walk.
A spokeswoman said: “This is a real triumph over adversity story.
“We begin filming in Croydon by recreating a market that used to be on St George’s Walk in the 1980s.
“One of the market stall holders gave Kevin a job when he was younger, they recognised that he was starving and decided to give him a chance working as a market trader.”
Producers are looking for local residents to act as extras in some of the film scenes.
A spokeswoman said: “We are going to need about 500 people over 10 days.
“We will be filming club scenes on Friday and Saturday in clubs in central Croydon.
“In the old days there used to be an illegal boxing ring in an underground car park.
“We are looking for some middle aged men to act as extras in this scene.”
The film boasts an all star cast with Rupert Friend, best known for steaming up the screen in The Young Victoria, appearing as the adult Kevin.
Natasha McElhone plays the villain of the piece as Kevin’s abusive mother and James Fox, Con O’Neill and Ioan Gruffud also star.
Producers will be filming in Croydon for the next few weeks.
Anyone over the age of 16 wishing to appear as an extra should contact Julie Dunne on julie.dunne@gmail.com
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