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Gangland crime thriller 'Bull' filmed in Dartford and Gravesend starring Football Factory and Peaky Blinders actor Neil Maskell set for digital release

A gritty crime thriller filmed in under three weeks at multiple locations across Kent is set for digital release.

Gangland thriller "Bull" was shot in just 18 days with diverse settings including an abattoir, funfair and a housing estate, among others.

Neil Maskell stars as Bull, a gritty crime drama filmed in various parts of Dartford and Temple Hill. Photo: Signature Entertainment
Neil Maskell stars as Bull, a gritty crime drama filmed in various parts of Dartford and Temple Hill. Photo: Signature Entertainment

Neil Maskell, of The Football Factory fame, stars as titular character "Bull," a former enforcer who mysteriously returns home after a 10-year absence.

His return to his old haunt sets him on a mission to find his missing son and seek revenge on those who double crossed him and left him for dead.

But during the course of his journey painful secrets from the past are soon revealed.

It's set for release on most digital platforms later this month and has been described as "a brutal, subversive and wickedly suspenseful revenge thriller".

There are also supporting performances from David Hayman, of ITV's Trial & Retribution, and Tamzin Outhwaite, of BBC's EastEnders.

"Bull" was filmed in part in the Temple Hill area of Dartford
"Bull" was filmed in part in the Temple Hill area of Dartford

Production visited several locations across Kent to film the low budget flick with Dartford the main base for the shoot.

Scenes took place at Dartford Working Men’s Club and various private houses and locations.

Film crews were spotted filming in the Temple Hill area and letters were sent to residents in Knights Manor Way to warn them of possible disturbances.

Production also visited Forge Farm Meats in Tunbridge Wells, and a private house in Gravesend which doubled as the home of Marge, played by Elizabeth Counsell.

In a statement released ahead of its launch, BAFTA winning writer and director Paul Andrew Williams (London to Brighton), spoke of the challenges in making a film during the pandemic.

This included filming in 36 locations with a small cast and incorporating scenes shot at a funfair and an abattoir.

David Hayman and Tazmin Outhwaite in Bull. Photo: Signature Entertainment
David Hayman and Tazmin Outhwaite in Bull. Photo: Signature Entertainment

"Bull was a great experience and a chance to work with actors I’ve admired for a long time as well as people I would consider friends," said Paul.

"I got to shoot on a fairground and witness an actor have to visit the sick bucket after every take, such was the velocity of the waltzers."

He added: "I am also lucky enough to be the writer of the script so to see what was in my head on the screen and ready for people to watch is a gift."

Lead actor Neil Maskell, who played Winston Churchill in BBC drama Peaky Blinders, used to act and direct at the Miskin Theatre, part of North Kent College in Dartford.

It's not the first time the north Kent town has been scouted as a filming location, with the Dartford Crossing providing the backdrop for Sky Atlantic series Gangs of London, as well several scenes for the Harry Potter movie franchise.

Nearer to the town itself, Bate’s Yard in West Hill was once host to a scene in the hit E4 comedy series Inbetweeners where the potty-mouthed teen Jay Cartwright crashes a motorbike.

Bull had a limited theatrical release in UK cinemas in November last year.

It's being released on most digital platforms with "big placements" on March 25.

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