EXCLUSIVE: Behind-the-scenes look at Idris Elba directing Yardie – 'one of the best experiences I've ever had'

Idris Elba has revealed how “excited” he was ahead of his directorial debut with Yardie, hailing it as “one of the best experiences I've ever had”.

In exclusive footage, Elba can be seen giving orders to “start that dialogue again” and pushing home his vision for the actors to be “real” in a bid to capture “our culture”.

He talked about taking himself behind the camera having enjoyed roles in Luther, Avengers: Infinity War and Pacific Rim.

“Getting to do a feature film, as a director, was really appealing to me,” he said.

“I was familiar with the book and just excited about bringing this to life.

“The beauty of this film is the art forms. It all comes together. The story, the acting, the music, the photography. One of the best experiences I’ve had.”

The actors in the film – including Shantol Jackson and Stephen Graham – complimented Elba’s work, saying that he was always “pumped” for being on set.

Set in '70s Kingston and '80s Hackney, Yardie centres on the life of a young Jamaican man named D, played by Aml Ameen, who has never fully recovered from the murder of his brother Jerry, played by Everaldo Creary.

The film is an adaptation of Victor Headley's 1992 novel of the same name.

Elba has hit the headlines recently, once again tipped to play to next James Bond once Daniel Craig leaves after the next film .

Yardie is slated for UK cinema release on August 31

Special nationwide preview screenings including a live satellite Q&A with Idris Elba take place on August 23. See yardiefilm.co.uk/previewevent for details