Idris Elba to star in series of short films with new talent on the BBC

LONDON, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Luther and Pacific Rim star Idris Elba has signed on to produce and act with new talent in Five by Five, a series of London-set, short films for the BBC.

Co-produced by BBC Studios and Green Door Pictures, the five mini-movies "feature chance encounters people face which question identity and change perception," a press release noted.

Cat Jones has been confirmed as lead writer, alongside rising scribes Lee Coan, Namsi Khan, Selina Lim and Nathaniel Price.

"I have spent time with these five talented writers and observed their story-lining process," Elba said in a statement Friday. The scripts are uplifting and incredible, and with this group of young actors now attached to star, BBC Three viewers are in for an absolute blast. I couldn't be prouder of what they have achieved."

"This BBC Three collaboration with Idris and Green Door gives opportunities to some of the best and brightest new talent to work with some of the biggest and most established talent around. It's a win win for everyone involved and I'm delighted BBC Three can be part of something like this," added Damien Kavanagh, controller of the BBC Three.