Independent. Grounded. British.
A character-first action–thriller about loyalty, consequence, and choosing to rise after the burn.
From cast members of the hit BBC series Bugs - reuniting on screen for the first time in decades - PHOENIX honours the spirit fans love: high-stakes missions, tight-knit teamwork, and grounded tech.
​
Created independently by Cinema Vault Studio, the film forges new characters, new stakes, and a modern cinematic style. Free from legacy IP constraints, we can tell the story the right way - honest, lean, and bold.
The Birth of PHOENIX.
For Ed and Beckett, experience had become armour - and comfort. Years of operations had sharpened their instincts but dulled their edge.
The mission they walked into felt like another day at the office.
It wasn’t.
Betrayed from within and caught off guard, the fallout shook the unit to its core. Trust shattered, loyalties fractured, and the system they had served without question was exposed for what it truly was.
From the ashes of that moment, a choice emerged: fade away, or rebuild stronger. No longer defined by the orders they’re given, the team forged their own identity - one born of humility, loyalty, and resolve.
An identity marked by a new emblem, and a promise that they will not be broken again: PHOENIX.
Beyond the Film.
PHOENIX isn’t just a story - it’s a foundation.
From day one, this project has been built to prove what’s possible when you take a grounded, character-driven British thriller and give it the freedom to breathe.
The film is our proof of concept. It shows the tone, the texture, and the emotional core of a world that can grow far beyond a single story. Every frame, every choice, is designed to stand alone - but also to open the door to more.
The future? Episodic storytelling. A continuing series that follows the PHOENIX team into new missions, deeper betrayals, and the moral grey zones where loyalty is tested most. The kind of show that rewards long-form investment - the kind that audiences can live with, week after week.
The idea started as a way to carry forward the spirit of the BBC series Bugs - sharp, team-focused action rooted in human stakes - without being bound by old IP. By building something new, we own the creative future. And by backing this film, you help prove to the industry that the audience for this kind of storytelling is alive, engaged, and ready for more.
Cast
Craig Mclachlan​​ - "Ed"
Craig McLachlan is an award-winning actor, musician, and entertainer whose career spans over four decades across television, film, and stage. Beloved by British audiences for his turn as Ed in the BBC’s 1990s hit Bugs, Craig helped define the show’s blend of high-tech espionage and character-driven adventure, becoming one of its most recognisable faces.
In PHOENIX, Craig steps back into the genre that made him a household name, reuniting with fellow Bugs alumni in a completely new story world. His portrayal of Ed is no nostalgic replay - it’s the evolution of a man shaped by years in the shadows, now confronting betrayal, consequence, and the cost of loyalty.
Known for his physicality, charisma, and ability to balance humour with emotional truth, Craig brings a lived-in authenticity to the role. His Ed is a man whose easy confidence masks deeper fractures - a professional pushed to the edge, forced to decide whether to burn out… or rise again.
Jesse Birdsall - "Beckett"
_edited.jpg)
Jesse Birdsall is a veteran of British television and film, celebrated for his precision, presence, and the quiet intensity he brings to the screen. Best known to Bugs fans as the razor-sharp Beckett, Jesse’s work in the original BBC series defined the character as the team’s calm strategist - the mind working a step ahead, even in chaos.
In PHOENIX, Jesse returns to the world of covert operations in a whole new story, stepping into a Beckett who has weathered years of moral compromises and high-risk missions. No longer the unshakable operator we once knew, this Beckett carries the weight of past choices - and in the face of betrayal, must find the steel to rise again.
Jesse’s trademark ability to layer restraint with emotional depth makes Beckett a powerful counterpoint to Ed. Where Ed moves with instinct and force, Beckett plays the long game - a man of discipline, wounded but not broken, whose loyalty to the people beside him will be tested like never before.
Sophia Clarke - "Melissa Shaw" - 'Overwatch'
Cinema Vault Studio is delighted to welcome Sophia Clark to the cast of PHOENIX in the role of Melissa, also known by her codename Overwatch.
Sophia impressed with a standout audition that showcased both subtlety and strength, qualities that are central to the character she portrays.
Melissa plays a vital role within the story, providing crucial intelligence and guidance to the team from behind the scenes. It’s a challenging part that requires presence even when unseen, and Sophia brings exactly the right energy to make it resonate.
Her casting marks another exciting step in assembling the ensemble for PHOENIX, blending legacy talent with a new generation of actors who will help define the future of Cinema Vault Studio’s storytelling.
We are excited to have Sophia on board and look forward to bringing Melissa to life together.
Will Frazer - "Jamie Nash"
Cinema Vault Studio is delighted to welcome Will Frazer to the cast of PHOENIX in the role of Jamie.
Jamie is introduced as part of the original team in the opening sequence. When tragedy strikes, he is taken out of action and his loyalty is tested.
His journey in PHOENIX explores resilience, trust and the bonds that define a team under pressure. Will brings the presence and depth needed to embody a character caught between loyalty and survival. His casting strengthens the new generation of characters at the heart of PHOENIX, alongside legacy talent and fellow newcomers.
We are excited to have Will join the Cinema Vault Studio family and look forward to bringing Jamie’s story to life.
Crew
Investor & Production Update
PHOENIX is now in active pre-production, with formal investment negotiations currently underway.
As a high-concept, proof-of-concept film and potential pilot for series production, PHOENIX has already secured the interest and commitment of several key cast members, including original stars from the BBC’s cult 90s series BUGS, alongside new, emerging talent.
The script, format, and production model are all designed for modern viewing habits, with the flexibility to stand alone as a short-form film or serve as the springboard for a larger episodic series.
Cinema Vault Studio is currently in discussions with private investors and strategic partners who see the long-term potential of the PHOENIX brand. Our goal is to bring this story to life with a controlled, efficient production budget, while retaining full creative control.
If you are an investor or industry stakeholder who would like to be part of PHOENIX at this pivotal stage, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss the project further.
Please reach out via our contact page.
We are also continuing to build our cast and crew as we move toward production. If you're a performer or creative interested in joining the PHOENIX team, we’d love to hear from you.
PHOENIX is a live, evolving production, built by professionals, driven by passion, and moving forward with purpose.