A GANGSTER flick, inspired by British movies like Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels and Layer Cake, and written, directed and produced by Medway talent, will be set against the gritty backdrop of the Towns.

Rivals of Medway is the tale of Jamie Williams, a gang member released from prison and intent on taking revenge on the man who murdered his brother in the 1980s.

Actor and screenwriter Stuart Buck, from Chatham, who has worked with Donald Sutherland and was an extra in Green Street alongside Elijah Wood, began writing the script in 2006.

Producer Dan Campbell, from Gillingham, initially auditioned as an extra, was cast in a main part and wound up as one of the film's producers.

The website www.rivalsofmed way.com describes the movie as "very dark, with pockets of humour."

Dan, 34, who plays Dave Neal, one of the bad guy thugs in Rivals of Medway, said: "It is all ticking along. We have got some scenes shot."

A teaser trailer has been completed, appearing on a Facebook page and website, and has been given a warm reception.

Support has also been forthcoming from Medway Council.

Dan explained: "We approached the council and they said we can film more or less where we like. They have given us the run of Medway, basically."

Medway, Dan says, is "absolutely key" to the picture. The main characters are from Strood and Chatham.

Dan said: "It is basically Chatham versus Strood. Going back, there is a lot of hearsay that there used to be battles between the two towns."

Dan, an IT manager, does not have any film training and the cast have to fit filming around their own jobs.

He said: "It does take a lot of time because we have all got day jobs. Luckily I am a project manager, so I am approaching it like a project like any other really.

"I am enjoying it. It can be difficult. There is a lot to organise, especially when you are doing a shoot, and if anything goes wrong it can affect everything."

Although the film is in the early stages and will take at least nine months until it is completed, Stuart and Dan are already in talks with distributors for a DVD launch, and have even been offered the chance for a limited theatrical release.

Such is their dedication to the area that the team said they would choose a Chatham premiere over Leicester Square.

First, though, they are concentrating on making their film as good as they can. "We are not going to put out anything substandard," said Dan.

As an independent movie, the cast are footing the bill for the production.

Dan said: "I have probably put in about £20,000 so far. We have got courtroom scenes. Medway Court will cost us £1,500 per day we are there. I can understand why films can cost millions."

Any local firm interested in seeing its brand on the big screen in return for "a ridiculously small fee" is welcome to get in touch, says Dan.