My worst nightmare is that people from South London watch it and think, Oh, God.
Warning, we get into some heavy spoilers, so read with caution.
DEADLINE: How did you link up with Damian Jones?
Raine Allen-Miller.Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images.
I didnt have an agent at the time.
Id done my short film,Jerk.
And so Damien sent it to me.
I also liked the fact that it was a simple story.
Its two people walking around.
In many ways, thats the perfect canvas for a director.
Although the film was originally set in Camden, North London.
I wasnt sure about that.
DEADLINE: Why did you move the film from Camden to Peckham, South London?
ALLEN-MILLER:I love Camden.
I used to go there every Friday after school to hang out.
But South London, for me, is a very special place.
When I was 12, I moved there from Manchester.
I felt so connected to my heritage and my grandma.
I love South London.
Its not an easy place to live, and its not always happy.
But this film is about a happy day in South London.
And I think that deserves to have a light shone on it.
DEADLINE: Theres a big Burrito-related Love Actually reference in the film that stars Colin Firth.
Why did you decide to slot that in?
DEADLINE: How did you get Colin Firth in the film?
ALLEN-MILLER:I wrote him a letter.
One of the exec producers on the film had worked with him on something.
And so I wrote the letter, and she sent it to him.
He replied saying, As long as I get a burrito out of it.
DEADLINE:Rye Lanehas a very distinct visual style.
Were you pulling from any references when crafting the film?
ALLEN-MILLER:I pulled one very specific reference fromPeep Show, the best show ever.
Olan, the cinematographer, and I called it the Peep shot.
Also, my biggest hero is probably Steve McQueen.
There is no word to describe how amazing and how much Steve McQueen inspires me.
But Im also a very different director to Steve McQueen.
I just feel so empowered by what hes doing.
DEADLINE: How do you feel about the film heading straight to Hulu in the states?
ALLEN-MILLER:As a director, you dream of your film being projected.
So theres a combination of feelings.
ALLEN-MILLER:Its a complete joke.
Its so depressing all around.
The Oscars are depressing.
I just cant wait to not be depressed about it anymore.
DEADLINE: What are your hopes for the release ofRye Lane?
But in terms of the wider world, I want people to have had a nice time watching it.
