I predict a riot as locals object to football yob film in street
A LONDON director famous for making violent films is facing a fight with residents over plans to recreate a football hooligan clash on their doorsteps.
Nick Love, whose previous movies include The Football Factory and The Business, wants to shoot the scenes outside an empty pub in Camden.
The 37-year-old's production company, 1984 Film Ltd, has written to residents in Castle Road telling them it wants to film for two days from 23 November.
But the Castle Road Residents' Association has objected and is said to be planning to disrupt film crews if permission is granted.
Love is remaking The Firm - a 1988 film about football hooligans.
The letter told residents there would be a clash between 140 "fans" outside the Tavern in the Town pub and a scene where an actor is cut on the face was also planned.
It offered them the chance to appear as extras in the fight scenes.
But local people are furious a film they believe encourages violence is being made in their neighbourhood. Jon Boulton, a cab driver and member of the residents' association, said: "Violence and stabbings are the last thing we need on our doorstep. Who the hell is this guy to dump this on a peaceful, tiny residential street for two days? It's disgusting."
Auden Lane, a mother of two young children, said: "Our street is tiny, lorries have a problem manoeuvring around a corner let alone 140 football thugs.
"Besides, what kind of message are we sending out to our children if they dump this violence on us? Not a day goes by but we read about another stabbing. Now they want to stage a stabbing on our doorstep. It is disgraceful."
People living in nearby Hadley Street have also signed a petition and handed it to Camden council.
The council said it would make a decision based on residents' views by the end of the week. A spokeswoman said: "If the general consensus is 'no', we will advise the production company to look elsewhere." Nick Love and 1984 Film Ltd were unavailable for comment.
