The film was written, produced, and directed by Derry Shillitto, with production by Luke Radford and Ashley Carter and music by Frost. The sci-fi thriller is set in near-future Britain where artificial intelligence, state control, and youth incarceration collide, and it offers a chilling exploration of justice and resistance in an age of automation.
The Correction Unit is set inside a shadowy, AI-run rehabilitation facility and follows a group of young people forced into a brutal correctional system. When one teen dares to question the institution’s motives, a rebellion begins to form—raising urgent questions about control, empathy, and human rights.
Shot entirely on location in Nottingham, England, The Correction Unit is a fully homegrown production with global relevance. It was conceived, cast, and created by filmmakers committed to meaningful, socially conscious storytelling. Many of the cast members are from Nottingham’s Television Workshop, the BAFTA award-winning drama school and TV casting resource. As a charitable organization, it strives to support local productions.
Television Workshop alumnus and award-winning Nottingham native Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us) voices the facility’s calculating AI, “nTrac.” Ramsey’s involvement highlights the Television Workshop’s and city’s creative talent and brings global attention to the film. The Last of Us star also provided support and guidance to some of the film’s younger actors from the program. www.thetelevisionworkshop.co.uk
Lise Romanoff, CEO/Managing Director of Vision Films shares, “The Correction Unit is a heart-pumping thrill ride and very timely in addressing the dangerous roles AI and technology play in our current and future world.”
Writer/director Derry Shillitto adds, “The Correction Unit asks hard questions about the future we’re building; it’s not just about punishment and control — it’s about what happens to the most vulnerable in society when the most powerful embrace AI. It’s a dystopian tale set in Nottingham, but the themes are global.”
“Bella’s voice brings “nTrac” to life with an emotional weight we never expected,” continues Shillitto, a former teacher who is making his debut as a feature film director. “We’re so delighted and proud The Television Workshop chose to support a grassroots Nottingham production and give some of the city’s brightest young acting talents the opportunity to appear in a film alongside, as well as received priceless advice from, one of best acting talents Nottingham has produced.”
Starring Ziad Abaza (Spectre), Jonny Phillips (Titanic), Kirsty Smedley (The Devil Outside), and a breakout ensemble of local talent, including Sonny Middleton and Elleese Bradshaw as leads “Shawn” and “Tish.” Newcomers Zak Hopkinson and Sonny Lake, known in the Midlands music scene as Slendz, deliver compelling supporting turns, shaped by personal experiences echoing the film’s themes.
The film premiered and had a limited run in July at Nottingham’s Broadway Cinema.
For up-to-date information, please visit: www.thecorrectionunit.com
