Simon Pegg’s film Angels in the Asylum is currently facing significant financial challenges after halting production, leaving creditors with a staggering debt of $5M.
Simon Pegg’s Film ‘Angels In The Asylum’ Faces $5M Debt After Filming Halt
EXCLUSIVE: Angels in the Asylum, the British indie film featuring Simon Pegg and Katherine Waterston, has accrued a debt of £3.7M ($5M) to creditors after ceasing production six months ago, according to a recent financial filing.
Production Challenges and Financial Issues
As previously reported by Deadline, Angels in the Asylum began filming without securing full financing, leading to a shutdown just 15 days into a planned month-long shoot in February. The film is produced by AITA Films Limited, with first-time feature director Rob Sorrenti and Heather Greenwood, co-producer of Gavin & Stacey: The Finale.
Administration Filing and Creditor Report
AITA Films Limited filed for administration in April, akin to Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Kallis Insolvency Practitioners, the administrator for AITA Films, has released a report detailing the company’s financial obligations to financiers, cast, crew, and suppliers.
Statements from Producers
Sorrenti and Greenwood have been contacted for comments. They previously expressed regret to the upset crew, stating, “It was never what we could possibly have imagined when we started this journey.” Simon Pegg serves as an executive producer on Angels in the Asylum but has not invested or received payment for his work thus far. Steven Daldry, director of The Crown, is also an executive producer.
Major Creditors and Financial Breakdown
Among the significant creditors is Brandhouse Global Limited, which provided £486,966 in interim financing after expected funding from Parkland Pictures failed to materialize. Parkland CEO John Cairns previously informed Deadline that there was no agreement for financing Angels in the Asylum beyond their role as a sales agent.
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Cast members are owed at least £374,649, while “trade and expense” creditors are out £1.39M, likely including studio spaces like Versa and Twickenham Film Studios. Reports indicate that crew members are owed at least £600,000 in wages.
Future Financing and Production Resumption
The administrator’s report provided a positive outlook on securing financing to settle debts and resume production. “Discussions with potential funders are progressing well, and a thorough due diligence process is currently underway,” the report stated. The film’s set remains in storage until September as negotiations continue.
If financing is secured, “all creditors will be paid in full,” the report noted. However, if funding discussions fail, only “preferential” creditors, including £41,242 in employee arrears and holiday pay, as well as HM Revenue & Customs, will be compensated.
Film’s Historical Context and Support for Affected Workers
Inspired by true events, Angels in the Asylum features co-stars Minnie Driver, Lesley Nicol, Rose Williams, Aurora Perrineau, and Alex Jennings. The narrative focuses on women who were forcibly isolated at Surrey’s Long Grove Asylum in the 1930s after being labeled as typhoid carriers.
Bectu and Equity have extended support to members affected by the production halt. In a statement, Bectu leader Philippa Childs remarked: “Film and TV workers have already faced an incredibly challenging few years, and being out of pocket will exacerbate financial difficulties for many of our members who’ve contributed their talents and expertise to this film. This situation reflects a very unstable industry, where crew members are often the first to suffer and the hardest hit when production is disrupted.”
