Victims' Harrowing Journey: Failed by the System

The drama "Believe Me" chronicles the experiences of victims of "one of the most prolific sex attackers in British history," emphasizing how they "were failed by the system." To safeguard their anonymity, the stories of the two central victims, referred to by pseudonyms Sarah and Laila, underwent modifications.

The production prioritized immersing the audience in the victims' experiences. This approach focused on the lead-up to assaults and their profound impact, deliberately avoiding gratuitous depictions of sexual violence. The script was crafted to show only what was necessary for storytelling, from the perspective of the women, often conveying fragmented memories.

An integral part of the production was the involvement of intimacy coordinator Sita Thomas. Her collaboration with the cast, including actresses Shah and Edwards, and actor Mays, created a secure environment. This allowed for the sensitive choreography of difficult scenes, ensuring actors felt safe and supported throughout the filming process.

Actors highlighted the trust built with each other and the production team. Mays noted that despite his extensive career, this was his first time working with intimacy advisors. He emphasized the delicate balance of depicting necessary graphic detail while maintaining safety boundaries. Access to a counselor was also provided for the cast.

The drama, which premiered on ITV and ITVX on May 10, was filmed in Cardiff. Edwards pointed out that intimacy coordinators were valuable even for non-physical scenes, such as examination scenes, which were considered particularly intimate due to the nature of the investigation and evidence collection following attacks.