UPDATE

Since our story ran it has come to light that Kevin Spacey and Damon Albarn
have yet to be confirmed in their roles. Film Village released the following
statement to MTV.

‘The film ‘Buskers’ has yet to have it’s cast finalised and both Jeymes
Samuel and the production company Film Village totally disassociate
themselves and their production from any press or article that suggest
either Kevin Spacey or Damon Albarn are cast members. Once casting is
finalised details as to who will star in the production will be released to
the press’

One of the nicest things about the MCM Expo is how willing people are to talk to convention-goers. Outside of the panels and signings are comic creators and film makers who will quite happily have a conversation with anyone who approaches them.

HeyUGuys managed to snag some time with Jeymes Samuel, who has produced albums for The Gorillaz, Ben Hudson and KT Tunstall. His current project is Buskers, a film version of the comic that he wrote with graphic-novelist Sean Michael Wilson.

The film, which begins shooting in December stars Kevin Spacey, Damon Albarn, Ian Brown and Mos Def. It tells the story of Timothy Book, a former banker who falls on hard times, and ends up spending an increasing amount of time involved with London’s busking scene.

The film is being produced by Pilar Savone, associate producer on Inglorious Basterds, and will feature a soundtrack by London-based musical collective The BulliTTs.

Jeymes told us that the cast of the film was still being filled out, and that they were about to cast the female lead. As HeyUGuys had watched An Education only a few days beforehand, we suggested that he’d consider her, so if she’s cast, we’re looking forward to our casting director credit.

Our conversation with Jeymes meandered somewhat, and we eventually got on to the subject of other comic book films. Jeymes mentioned that he was a huge fan of the Blade franchise, but that he didn’t care for the third film in the series. He then gave us his pitch for a new third film, Wesley Snipes ““ Christopher Lee. It would be hard to say that we disagree with him.

He was also happy to discuss the long-rumoured Gorillaz movie. After the success of their opera, Monkey: Journey to the West, it seems inevitable that the worl’d most cinema-friendly band should finally make a film, and Jeymes all but confirmed our suspicions, telling us that “The Gorillaz album is so dope they’ll have to do a movie“.

Our conversation ended with the HeyUGuys and Jeymes geeking off. After discussing films and comics we got on to the subject of the 3D TV that was being demonstrated at the Expo. At the mention of it Jeymes’ interest was piqued, and we were only too happy to show him.

The last time we saw Jeymes, he was engrossed by the presentation. We hope he pulls himself away, because we’re incredibly excited by Buskers and can’t wait to watch it.

For more details about the film check out the production blog, buskersthemovie.com.