British Film Maker Announces 'Clutch Control' Movie In The Works

Everyone has a car movie that they love. Whether it’s the roaring engines, crazy chase scenes or sexy rides, there is something that just hits the spot. Director Jack Anthony Towell formed a passion for car movies long before he began working in the film industry, and he plans to show it in one of his future films.

Towell worked on a range of movies from low budget music videos to box office hits before founding his own film production studio, Sun Eats Moon. He’s currently shooting a film called The Auction and is preparing for his next film, Hallusinogen. His largest project to date, Clutch Control, will follow. The storyline is written by Towell, and the screenplay is a collaboration with young writer Phoebe Ruguru. Towell will be directing the film, scheduled to begin production in 2017. We spoke with him to find out more.

CT: What brought on your passion for cars and car movies?

Towell: I’ve always loved car movies, I think Gone in 60 Seconds still remains one of my favourites to watch. I’m also an avid viewer of Top Gear. I love the classic design of cars which you just don’t get today as many look more like aerodynamic machines or robots; they have no character.

CT: What inspired you to pursue this particular project?

Towell: Well, after watching films such as Drive, Bullitt and Nightcrawler where they have great car chases without them being out of this world extraordinary and unbelievable, I was adamant I wanted to make my own. I wanted to make a car chase which I wrote the film around, and would you know it the car chase I visualised happens right at the very end of the film. Though there will be lots of fast cars throughout.

CT: Can you tell us any of the cars that will feature?

Towell: Yes, I’ve chosen some classic British cars because I’ve not seen many in films other than the Mini Cooper. As you can see, half are classic and half are relatively new depending on the character they are given to as the car says a lot about the person’s character. So I have chosen:

- 1970 Concours SAH 2.7L MK3 Spitfire - black with white stripes
- TVR Tuscan 4.0 Speed Six - black with tinted black windows
- Noble M12 2.5 Litre - matte grey
- AC Cobra - cobalt blue with white stripes
- Jaguar XJS 5.3 Litre Supercharged - dark red
- Jensen Interceptor Viperceptor Mod - matte grey
- Range Rover Sport (2017 Model) - white

CT: When and where is the story set? Without spilling any secrets, can you give us a brief synopsis of the plot?

Towell: The story is set in present day, most likely in the East Anglia area (but location and timing of filming is not confirmed). To keep it as simple as I can: Alex & Toby are best friends who boost cars. They get caught by the police and Alex throws Toby out of the car out of sight and takes the fall for it. Upon Alex’s return from prison something happens to a loved one which causes them to want to take revenge. However, mid way through they spot a gigantic pile of cash. Can they exercise control? What will the repercussions of their actions be? Have they completely underestimated who they are taking from?

CT: Fans of what other car films would be interested in your work?

Towell: I would like to say fans of Gone in 60 Seconds and the first Fast and Furious film, but the villains in this piece are also such strong characters it would also possibly attract fans of Natural Born Killers.

CT: I know you’ve got a big response from actors trying to grab a lead role. Are there other ways in which our CT community could be involved in the making of the film?

Towell: Absolutely! When it comes time to film the street race scenes we will definitely be looking for car fans to fill the scene no matter what you or your car may be. Production won’t be taking place until 2017, but if people get their names in then that could definitely help get your place in the film.

To follow the status of the film, and for consideration as an extra for you and your car, be sure to like the Clutch Control Facebook page. Even though the film is in early stages, Towell assures us that his vision will be fulfilled (and it is certainly a film we want to see). A special thanks to Jack Anthony Towell for sharing the details of his movie with CT before anyone else!