Island Records UK moves into movies with The Intent 2: The Come Up

With Darcus Beese (far left) at Island Records UK

Island Records UK has entered into a joint venture with independent movie distributor Vertigo Releasing for an upcoming homegrown crime thriller.

The Intent 2: The Come Up is the prequel to underground 2016 hit The Intent.

Written by and starring Nicky Slimting Walker (It’s a Lot) and Femi Oyeniran (Kidulthood, Adulthood), the new movie was shot on the streets of London and Jamaica.

Island’s involvement starts to make sense when you consider that the movie stars a raft of music talent in acting roles, including BET winners Krept & Konan, rap star Fekky and dancehall superstar Popcaan.

The movie’s main protagonist is acclaimed British rapper, Ghetts.

He plays Jay in The Intent 2 (pictured, inset), ‘whose big dreams and ambitions are crippled by his allegiance to both his crew and Hackney crime boss Beverley’.

Other actors in the film include BAFTA winner Adam Deacon (Kidulthood, Anuvahood), Ashley Chin (Starred Up, Anuvahood), Sharon Duncan-Brewster (Bad Girls, Top Boy) and Dylan Duffus (Line of Duty, The Intent).

The Intent 2 is slated for an autumn 2018 release across UK and Ireland.

“With the new Urban Division under Alex Boateng, Island is looking to be involved in, and to effect, the culture in new ways and this film gives us the opportunity to be a part of the film making process and to shine a light on the incredible talent, writers, director and, actors in this country.”

Darcus Beese, Island Records

Rupert Preston, Vertigo Releasing said: “This is all set to be one of the most exciting and commercial UK independent movies of the year. We can’t wait to build upon the grassroots success of the first film and launch this film into cinemas all across the UK in the autumn. Working with Nicky, Femi and the whole Island team is what independent film-making and distribution is all about.”

Darcus Beese, President of Island Records UK, said: “We are really excited to be in business with Nicky and Femi, these guys have made a dope film and we want to help them bring it to as big an audience as possible. With the new Urban Division under Alex Boateng, Island is looking to be involved in, and to effect, the culture in new ways and this film gives us the opportunity to be a part of the film making process and to shine a light on the incredible talent, writers, director and, actors in this country.”

Nicky Slimting Walker and Femi Oyeniran: “It has always been our dream to work with a record label as we’ve always believed they have more understanding of the commercial potency of Black British culture. Island’s history made them a perfect home for us. To be able to team up with Vertigo who have brought us some of the most successful home-grown films in the past decade makes this a winning combination.”

Vertigo Releasing’s other upcoming releases include US top 10 hits Death Wish and THE STRANGERS: PREY AT NIGHT, REVENGE, and EVERY DAY.

Its releases to date – including StreetDance 1 and 2, Bronson, Monsters, Horrid Henry and Springbreakers – have grossed over $75M at the UK Box office.Music Business Worldwide

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