Ian Curtis and his band Joy Division have much of their roots in the north of England. However, Nottingham was chosen as a base to make 'Control' largely due to it resembling Manchester at the height of the band's success. Orian Williams, Control's producer, says, "Manchester looks a bit different than it did back in the 1970s. Some of the locations we're shooting in we just needed an empty space and it's hard to find that in Manchester. For the most part we're here in Nottingham." It's not just the location that's helping to make the film - Orian says it's the Nottingham people too. "The crew, the day players that we're hiring [and] the support from the community has been fantastic." | "The crew, the day players that we’re hiring [and] the support from the community has been fantastic." | | Orian Williams, producer of 'Control' |
Anton Corbijn's film is based on 'Touching from a Distance', a book written by Curtis' wife, Deborah. The book details her life with Ian throughout his struggle with epilepsy, Joy Division's rise to prominence and his eventual suicide in 1980. The role of Deborah Curtis has been filled by Nottingham's very own Samantha Morton. Orian says the director Anton Corbijn, is a big fan of the actress. "Anton always saw [Samantha] as Deborah Curtis… She's doing great; she's the loveliest of people." Orian and the rest of the production team will be in Nottingham until the end of August 2006. Control should be in cinemas by early 2007. Control has been partially funded by EM Media. Listen to our interview with Emily Lappin, head of communications at the organisation: | 
