The Sweeney hits London

A dramatic bank heist and car chase storms the City of London

• Live theatre stunt first of its kind in the City
• Staged to mark the release of British action film The Sweeney on Blu-ray and DVD

London, 22nd January: In blizzard-like conditions on Sunday January 20th, cops and robbers clashed in a dramatic car chase in the City of London.

In streets that are usually quiet after the hustle and bustle of the City stills for the weekend, the peace was disturbed by the screeching of car tyres, fists and faces clashing, and shouts of “you’re nicked” as the incredible action unfolded.

Staged and filmed to mark the Blu-ray and DVD release of British action flick The Sweeney, three violent and dangerous criminals were hunted down by the flying squad after they raided a bank, in the first live theatre stunt of its kind to be performed and filmed in City streets.

The robbers were trying to get their hands on Limited Edition Sweeney merchandise and DVDs, which was being held under lock and key at Lloyds TSB bank before its release on Monday.

Initially having thought they’d got away with the heist, the robbers were soon being pursued by The Sweeney – with both vehicles speeding and sliding through the City streets. The action came to a climax as The Sweeney apprehended the robbers.

Ashleigh Jones, who won a starring role in the stunt as one of The Sweeney, said: “Despite the weather it is up there with one of my favourite days ever – and I love the final cut of the Sweeney Heist!”

Stephanie Don, Product Manager for The Sweeney, said: “The release of The Sweeney on Blu-ray and DVD gave us the perfect opportunity to go out “all guns blazing” and stage a quintessentially London car chase stunt against the backdrop of the Metropolitan Police Station. Everyone involved gave a huge effort, that resulted in some fantastic footage that really captures the adrenaline-fuelled themes of the film.”

An adrenaline-pumping UK action blockbuster that took cinema audiences by storm, The Sweeney, a 21st Century update of the original TV series, follows Regan (Ray Winstone) and Carter (Ben Drew) as they navigate London’s criminal underworld. Out on Blu-ray and DVD now, it’s the “Best British action movie in years” according to The Sun.

Tearing up the streets of London, D.I. Jack Regan (Ray Winstone)and his partner George Carter(Ben Drew) from the Flying Squad have their own way of operating, and when an old enemy makes a re-appearance on the London crime scene, they will do whatever it takes to get the job done. Directed by Nick Love (The Firm), The Sweeney is a stylish, exhilarating action thriller also starring Damian Lewis (Homeland) and Hayley Atwell (Captain America: The First Avenger)

Available to buy on Blu-ray and DVD now

Findd out more and join the conversation at twitter, via the hashtag, #SweeneyHeist, or on facebook.

The Guv'nor wants a word

We have already seen one trailer for the "moments worth paying for" campaign.  That one had Kieth Lemon telling you to come to the cinema and not pirate.  now it's the turn of the Flying Squad and The Sweeny to tell you what to do!

The action-packed trailer features scenes of London’s notorious Flying Squad racing around the capital in a fast-paced battle against armed robbery.  The highly anticipated Entertainment One film, THE SWEENEY, released in cinemas 12th September, demonstrates the heart-stopping suspense audiences will experience on the big screen.

Industry Trust for IP Awareness have recruited THE SWEENEY to help them in their on-going ‘Moments Worth Paying For’ campaign. But rather than the hard-hitting flying squad approach featured in the film, the campaign aims to inspire support for UK TV, film and video industries by celebrating unmissable movie moments and the positive emotional effect that these have on the viewer.

As the unyielding squad within the Met Police fight fire with fire against London’s most violent criminals, clips of audience reactions from the original ‘Moments Worth Paying For’ campaign are interspersed to further remind audiences of the value of the film experience.

The 35-second trailer will be shown in all cinemas for an 8 week period, as well as supportive posters in outdoor locations. The campaign will also highlight the wealth of legitimate ways to watch film and TV by directing viewers to Findanyfilm.com – where film fans can find all films, all above board, all in one place.

Alex Hamilton, Director of Film at Entertainment One said, “Establishing a firm and engaging connection between paying for great content and the pipeline of future releases has never been more important. We are very excited about our collaboration with the Industry Trust on The Sweeney, which will help one of our key films of 2012 reach the audiences it deserves.”

Liz Bales, Director General of Industry Trust, said: “We are delighted to welcome Entertainment One to the fold. Informing and inspiring audiences is at the heart of what we do, and Entertainment One reaches audiences of all ages, interests and backgrounds. Young men index higher than any other group in taking part in illegal downloading and so we are hoping to inspire them with a truly great piece of British filmmaking in The Sweeney, with this bespoke cinema trailer celebrating film moments worth paying for.”

The Sweeney, the new trailer

It's been a while since the first trailer hit the internet. now we have just been sent over the brand new one!

Sometimes you have to act like a criminal to catch a criminal. Ray Winstone (The Departed) and Ben Drew (Plan B) star as part of an elite police unit in explosive action film, THE SWEENEY. Also starring Damian Lewis (Homeland) and Hayley Atwell (Captain America: The First Avenger).

THE SWEENEY will be released in cinemas nationwide from September 12.

The Sweeney

I'm not sure what to make of the new Sweeney film. It's set in modern day. This may be its problem as everyone remembers it from the 70s where if a kid missbehaved then you could expect a policeman to give you a "thick ear".

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Sometimes you have to act like a criminal to catch a criminal. Ray Winstone (The Departed) and Ben Drew (Plan B) star as part of an elite police unit in explosive action film, THE SWEENEY. Also starring Damian Lewis (Homeland) and Hayley Atwell (Captain America: The First Avenger).

THE SWEENEY will be released in cinemas nationwide from September 12.