Netflix sets up UK shoot for Jason Statham drama

A new 10-part drama for Netflix and Sky headed by action star Jason Statham will be filming in the UK next year.

Viva La Madness is based on JJ Connolly’s book of the same name and is connected to the 2004 film adaptation of the author’s Layer Cake, although it is not being made as a sequel.

In a world of international crime and gang violence, Viva La Madness centres on an anonymous protagonist who is drawn out of his retirement in the sun to enter a dangerous drug game.

Netflix is increasing its production activity in the UK. A six-month shoot began in late July on The Innocents, an eight-part drama from New Pictures.

The streaming giant is also currently in production on a TV prequel of The Dark Crystal and The Outlaw King, and has several projects lined up for UK filming next year.

The UK remains one of the top international leading production hubs, with a combination of experienced crew, varied locations, world-class studios and a generous tax incentive.

Figures released by the British Film Institute last month revealed that inward investment film production spend during the first nine months of 2017 totalled £1.6bn.

High-end TV drama inward investment and co-production projects spent £287.6m during the same period.

Jason Statham photo via Getty Images Ent/Karwai Tang.