We sat down with Richmond-upon-Thames filmmaker Sherice Griffiths to talk about her new dark comedy revenge thriller Damaged Goods, her creative influences, and the challenges of making independent films.

1. Where are you based?

I’m in Richmond-upon-Thames, Surrey.

2. When did you first start writing?

I really found my voice as a writer during COVID, although I’ve loved filmmaking since I was about eight years old.

3. What first drew you into film?

Running around with a family handycam making little holiday-style films sparked it all.

4. Who are your biggest creative influences?

Taika Waititi for his playful, childlike storytelling, and Quentin Tarantino for his bold, stylised narratives.

5. Do ideas come easily to you?

Not always! The best ones tend to arrive when I’m not looking for them—like on walks.

6. How quickly did you write Damaged Goods?

In just four days—it was the fastest script I’ve ever completed.

7. What’s the premise of Damaged Goods?

It’s a dark comedy revenge thriller about a woman who kills her fiancé and, with her best friend, tries to cover it up. Things spiral out of control from there.

8. Who stars in the film?

Emma Robson, Bryony Corrigan, and Kevin McNally—who you might know from Pirates of the Caribbean.

9. How long did filming take?

We shot it in 13 days, which is very tight compared to big studio productions.

10. What was the budget?

£25,000—tiny for a feature film, but we made it work.

11. What stage is the film at now?

It’s in post-production: editing, sound design, colour grading.

12. Where will audiences be able to see it?

We’re heading to festivals first, and we’ve already had interest from the streaming platform Tubi.

13. What style of comedy do you love?

I’m a fan of classic slapstick and physical comedy—films like Naked Gun and shows like The Goes Wrong Show.

14. What’s next for you?

I’ve got a script set in the Scottish Highlands that I’m looking to get funded.

15. What’s the hardest part of the industry?

Funding—without rich parents or connections, proving yourself is tough.

16. What advice would you give aspiring young writers?

Believe in yourself, share your work, accept criticism, and don’t hide away. You only improve by putting yourself out there.

Keep an eye out for Damaged Goods at film festivals soon—you won’t want to miss Sherice Griffiths’ darkly funny take on revenge and chaos.