Filming has begun on the fifth series of The Break, a short form drama series which aims to showcase bold, original, contemporary stories that reflect modern life in the UK.

A collaboration between BBC Writersroom, BBC Three and BBC Studios, the films that make up the series will be available to watch on BBC Three.

With the five writers already revealed, BBC Writersroom and BBC Studios Drama Production are delighted to confirm the further details, including the directors and actors involved.

Losing It - written by William Barrington, directed by Aurora Fearnley, starring Nicholas Jacobsen

Joseph is a young man with Cerebral Palsy who knows he absolutely doesn’t want pity sex and has always looked down on his best mate for sleeping around. But Joseph has never really had the opportunity, until now. His first one-night stand makes him question his views.

WEED - written by Angela Clarke, directed by Darren Kent starring Holly Medić

WEED is about 16-year-old tearaway Leah, who is on the run from the police. Back on the London estate where she grew up with her best friend, Leah is determined to finish her own personal mission.

Rude - written by Annalisa Dinnella, directed by Aurora Fearnley, starring Niamh Longford

Would you rather be seen as rude or disabled? That’s the dilemma faced by 18-year-old May as she tries and fails not to offend her first Fresher’s Week friend.

BFF - written by Rob Kinsman, directed by Benedict Cohen, starring Kitty Castledine

BFF is about a teenage girl who has become distant from her friends following a car accident that has left her a wheelchair user. She has developed an attachment with an augmented reality app on her phone. Turnip may be an ugly goblin but he’s also Katie’s only friend. She’s in trouble.

OH TONI! - written by Lettie Precious, directed by Bim Ajadi, starring Alexandra James

Young, clumsy, sweet, and queer, Toni wants to ask the girl of her dreams to the Year 11 prom and will stop at nothing to win her affections. Only question is, can she do it without accidentally killing her?

Anne Edyvean, Head of Writersroom says: “The Break has always brought to BBC Three the voices and stories that you don’t normally see on television. I am delighted that series five builds on the work that BBC Writersroom has been doing with disabled writers over the last couple of years, and features disabled talent front and centre, not just as writers, but also directors and actors. The stories are entertaining, unexpected and sometimes emotional, showing contemporary young lives in Britain. I can’t wait to see them on screen.”

Caroline Levy, Executive Producer, BBC Studios Drama Production says: “It has been a delightful and inspiring process to work with these young talented writers, directors and actors. Each has brought something special and unique to the process. The stories are funny, poignant and thought provoking shining a new light on the way we all interact with the world.”

The series is being made for BBC Three by BBC Studios Drama Production. It will be executive produced by Anne Edyvean for BBC Writersroom, Ayela Butt for BBC Three and Caroline Levy for BBC Studios. The producer is Esther Springer.

More information on the writers here.

Director biographies

Bim Ajadi
Bim is an award-winning film-maker from London. He co-directed LOOK UP for the opening of the 2012 London Paralympics Ceremony (Channel 4), has directed and edited award-winning music videos, DOT a docudrama for FILM4, as well as THE FIRST TIME (NFTS). 2020 saw the release of his Deaf Hip Hop drama 'Here/Not Here’. Bim is profoundly deaf, which gives him a unique visual perspective.

Darren Kent
Darren is a writer/director from Essex and has made short film MEADOW LANE as well as his first feature ABUSING PROTOCOL. Darren is also a renowned film and television actor and is best known for appearing in US series Game of Thrones as well as SYFY series Blood Drive. Darren is an Ambassador for Mental Health and a Patron for the Mushroom Theatre Company.

Aurora Fearnely
Aurora is a writer/director from Stockport who studied at the Northern Film School. In February she was selected for Berlinale Talents 2020. After winning The Pitch. Aurora made short PULSAR starring David Gyasi and Jessie Buckley which gained distribution from sci-fi channel DUST. 104 Films produced Aurora’s short film STRUCK, which screened internationally at Sydney, Edinburgh and Cork Film Festival. Her debut feature film Tipping Point has BFI development with Lunar Lander Films.

Benedict Cohen
Benedict Cohen is a writer and director from London whose short films have been shown at festivals around the world most recently Austin (Oscar qualifying) and London’s Short Film Festival. Ben’s short film MONEY SHOT also won best screenplay at the Discover Film Festival. Ben’s commercial work includes films for Stella McCartney, Kenwood and Amazon. Ben studied at the National Film and Television School.