Game – Check out the new image from the first feature by Geoff Barrow’s Invada Films

GAME is the debut feature from INVADA FILMS, the newly launched arm of Bristol-based Invada Records, owned by film composer and Portishead co-founder Geoff Barrow, who also co-wrote and produced the project.

GAME is a gripping thriller set against the backdrop of the 1993 British rave scene, two men, one a thief and one a poacher, must use their wits to survive.

GAME stars Marc Bessant and Jason Williamson (Sleaford Mods) in their first leading roles. Bristol-based filmmaker John Minton directs the film in his feature debut. The idea originated through a conversation between Geoff Barrow and Marc Bessant. They brought John Minton and Rob Williams on board to help with writing the story; the latter then wrote the final screenplay.

GAME was shot in and around the Bristol area and is now in post-production.

Barrow said about the film, “John (Minton) and I have worked together for over 20 years on music projects (Portishead and INVADA music videos) and have always talked about making a feature together, the same goes for Marc (Bessant) who I’ve worked closely with for many years. I’ve been a fan of Jason Williamson’s work same with Rob (Williams), through 2000AD, and we’ve been writing film ideas together for the last few years.

The experience of making GAME has been a joy from start to finish as mostly all the people involved are friends or friends of friends based around the Bristol area. For me it’s an exciting new career path that I can’t wait to do more of as I’ve already got another two films in development.”

Jason Williamson is the lead singer and lyricist for Sleaford Mods, one of Britain’s most successful bands: as an actor Jason is known for his work in BIRD, Peaky Blinders and Landscapers.

Marc Bessant is an actor, writer, and designer. Having played a variety of stage and screen roles—including those for directors Alice Lowe and Todd Komarnicki—GAME marks his debut lead role in a feature film. In addition, he has collaborated with many musicians and filmmakers, creating distinctive designs for Portishead, Peter Gabriel, and others

John Minton is a Bristol based UK filmmaker. His work represents music artists such as Simple Minds, Portishead, Noel Gallagher and The Pretenders in Live Arenas around the world. Recently, he’s created music videos for Beth Gibbons, Sleaford Mods and Gazelle Twin plus many more stretching back 20 plus years.  Aside from the music world, John also edited the BAFTA winning Short ‘September’ (Dir: Esther May Campbell).

Rob Williams currently has TV shows and features in development with The Imaginarium, Corestar, Anton Entertainment and Rebellion Studios. His comic series UNFOLLOW is currently with Margot Robbie’s Lucky Chap and is being developed by HBO. He has written for comic companies such as DC Comics and Marvel Comics.

Geoff Barrow is the founding member of the band Portishead. He is known more recently as a Film composer with his writing partner Ben Salisbury, their credits include EX MACHINA, CIVIL WAR, Black Mirror and ANNIHILATION. Barrow is owner of INVADA records who have released scores such as Stranger Things, DRIVE and Red Dead Redemption. GAME marks his debut as a co-writer and producer.