The Correction Unit's Anique Taylor on AI, The Television Workshop and enjoying work

She's Taylor-made for this role...

Diving into the very real threat of AI, especially to the younger generations, Derry Shillitto is bringing a Notts-heavy film with a universal focus. We hear from some of its upcoming stars...

What made you want to sign up to this project?

I’d say the concept is what drew me in first. The film addresses two issues that aren’t discussed or acted on enough: the misjudgment of the younger generation and how AI

can be harmful if used in the wrong way. I haven’t really seen many creative projects tackling these topics before, so I’m happy to be part of a conversation that society needs to have.

How was your experience on the film?

It was amazing. Not only because it’s my first time working on a feature film, but also because I got to learn and share so many memories with the cast and crew. Every day was filled with laughter and creativity. The crew did an incredible job making the set a place where I and the other young actors could feel free to experiment in scenes. When I wasn’t filming, I loved sitting on the sidelines, watching the scenes come to life. Seeing how hard everyone worked to make the film the best it could be was inspiring, and I hope I’m lucky enough to experience something like that again. There wasn’t a day I walked on or off set without feeling inspired.

As a young person breaking into a creative industry, do you worry about how AI is going to affect your work and your career?

I think it’s natural to worry about it sometimes. Technology is constantly advancing, and the industry is starting to rely on AI to cut creative corners. I don’t dwell on it too much, as actors aren’t really being replaced by AI, but I do worry about writers, who are such a crucial part of the industry.

At our first table read, Derry asked if we had any suggestions or thoughts on the script, as he wanted the language to feel authentic to how young people speak. It was reassuring to know our opinions were valued and would be listened to, which is so important for young actors. I can’t say any of us would have been comfortable having that kind of conversation with a robot – it just wouldn’t have been the same.

How can people help to make sure the arts remain healthy as technology develops?

I think by remembering what in the arts inspired them. Some of the greatest films, music, and paintings didn’t need AI to leave a lasting impression on an audience. Attending

museums, galleries, concerts, and live theatre keeps the demand alive and encourages artists to continue their craft. A few months ago, I saw a ballet performance of ‘Romeo and

Juliet’ with a live orchestra, and the music was incredible.

Despite this being a sci-fi, it touches on real issues affecting cities like Nottingham right now. Is it important for you to work on projects with purpose and messages that can get people thinking and spark conversation?

I think it’s incredibly important for me, and for all actors, to work on projects that aim to deliver a meaningful message. This film gave me a strong sense of responsibility to do justice to the issues we’re addressing. It also sparked an internal conversation for me, making me realise how quick I’ve sometimes been to judge characters like the ones in this story. Now, I have a deeper sense of compassion and empathy for them. If we can evoke that same understanding in the audience, then we’ve succeeded in our job.

What’s next for you and your career?

Right now, I have another two years left of training at The Television Workshop. We have some exciting projects lined up throughout the year that will allow us to explore

other areas of filmmaking, so I’m really looking forward to that. I’m not sure what’s next for me career-wise, which is both scary and exciting – that’s part of being in this industry. You never know what’s around the corner, but whatever it is, I’d like to think I’ll be ready to face it.

‘The Correction Unit’ is coming soon.

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(Photos by Adrian Villeschi)