A Somerset-shot prison thriller released this month has been nominated for an award at the BAFTAs.
Wasteman (certificate 18) was filmed almost exclusively in the claustrophobic confines of Shepton Mallet Prison and is scheduled for UK-wide cinema release from 20 February.
A brutal and terrifying depiction of modern life behind bars, the production shot in Shepton Mallet Prison over two weeks in June 2024 with the help of Screen Somerset, Somerset Council’s film office. The prison’s Victorian B Wing features heavily throughout – including a riot scene.
Starring rising stars David Jonsson (The Long Walk, Alien: Romulus) and Tom Blyth (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes), it was produced by Adolescence Director, Philip Barantini and has already earned director, Cal McMau, a BAFTA nomination in the ‘Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer’ category. Fans of the recent adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s Rivals will also spot Alex Hassell, who played Rupert Campbell-Black, taking on a dramatically different role as menacing inmate, Paul.
Originally dating from 1625, Shepton Mallet Prison was the oldest operating prison when it closed in 2013 and Wasteman is the latest in a long line of film and TV productions to make use of the unique location. Previous productions range from feature films such as Paddington 2 and Wicked Little Letters to television series such as Grantchester and Des.
Screen Somerset supports, encourages and celebrates filming in the county in recognition of the economic and wider benefits it can bring. Last year film and TV production brought an estimated £4.2m to the Somerset economy.
Shepton Mallet Prison is a filming hotspot and a fantastic example of the wide range of locations that the county has to offer,” said Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets.
Working with locations like this – promoting them and helping filming go smoothly – is all part of making Somerset as film-friendly and attractive to filmmakers as possible.
Wasteman follows Taylor, played by Jonsson, doing his best to stay out of trouble behind bars in a dehumanised world of drugs, parties and relentless violence. The arrival of a new cellmate, the volatile and unpredictable Dee, played by Blyth, puts his chances of early parole and reuniting with his son in jeopardy.
Charlie Lawson, Attraction Director at Shepton Mallet Prison, said:
We’re really excited about the release of Wasteman, which shines a spotlight on Shepton Mallet Prison as a raw and authentic filming location.
Support from the film industry in towns such as Shepton Mallet not only raises the profile of the location but also generates vital income. Productions like this directly support Cove Group, the owners of Shepton Mallet Prison, in showcasing, preserving, and restoring the 400-year-old site. This ensures its history, character, and future are protected for generations to come, and recognised through its presence in film and television.
Wasteman – which features very strong violence, strong language and drug misuse – will be showing at many major cinemas from Friday 20th February. Please check local listings for details.
