The correction unit

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The Correction Unit is a sci-fi thriller set in the dystopian present. The trauma and dread as Chris falls into the sunken place in Get Out… The sophisticated manipulation of advanced AI creations like Ava in Ex Machina and HAL 9000 in 2001: A Space Odyssey… The aggressive, witty revolt of the young criminals in Attack the Block. 

The Correction Unit explores how artificial intelligence uses unaddressed trauma to alter the negative behaviours and pathways of young violent offenders. Psychologically thrilling, cinematic, led by powerful and exciting characters, The Correction Unit is an entertaining B-movie that confronts the pressing question; what happens to the most vulnerable in our society when the most powerful embrace AI?

In a city stricken with violence and poverty, Shawn is trapped in a seemingly endless cycle of crime. After being kicked out of another Young Offenders Institute, OnTrac - a futuristic new AI educational facility - provides him with the opportunity to start again. 

But as OnTrac, under the leadership of shady businessman James Lee, begins to exert more and more control over Shawn’s life in the form of invasive and manipulative AI, the true intentions of the facility become apparent. When a fellow inmate is violently killed, Shawn and his loyal friend Tish lead the other offenders in revolt, facing a desperate race against time and technology to escape OnTrac’s sinister influence.

Over the last three years there has been a 21% increase in knife crime and violence against young people aged 10 - 17 in the UK. The Correction Unit was written to explore what responsibility online media has for this increase in violence and how a future that is heavily reliant on AI will affect young people. 

Many of the young actors involved in the film were street cast and have been directly involved and impacted by gang violence and crime. Working on the film has given them the opportunity to share and explore their lived experiences. 

We wanted to pay young people during the holidays/term breaks to do something creative and rewarding. We have been astonished by the level of dedication the first-time actors have given the project so far, and the performances possess a power and authenticity that can’t be taught. Upon the release we are going to help the cast with showreels for talent agents and we are confident that we will create a number of opportunities for the young people involved in the film.

I wanted to create a film that explores the pathway society is pursuing with AI. In an idyllic world, there is potential for AI to help society flourish, but there are a lot of obstacles to overcome. Chief amongst them, the distinct lack of empathy and compassion - which are themes we explore in The Correction Unit. The eye of OnTrac is ever present throughout the film, absorbing and learning from behaviours. 

We have shot half of the film so far, and we have confirmed an international distribution agreement with a streaming/VOD distribution company. The exposure the cast and crew will get from the completion of this film will allow for more work at industry level and start careers for some of the cast who wish to pursue acting. 

The production team have worked tirelessly on this film, creating something far greater than its micro-budget would suggest. The Correction Unit is an action-packed, thrilling film that addresses contemporary themes of power, impact and the role of emerging technologies – but we need your help to ensure it finds the audience it deserves.

                                                                                                                           Derry Shillitto

With a track record of strong sales success, our previous projects include:

Producer: Luke Radford

Outlawed (Independent)

Soul Boy (BBC)

Producer: Ashley Carter

Shaun Barker: One More Time (Independent)

Operation Oman (Amazon)