Ben Drew has revealed that directing his debut feature film iLL Manors is one of the toughest things that he has ever done.
Drew moved away from his music career, albeit temporarily, to move behind the camera and shoot the movie.
And while he didn't have the financial backing that he needed Drew managed to make his debut, which was released in cinemas last week.
Speaking to The Press Association the actor said: "I knew it was going to be difficult, it's the hardest thing I've ever done in my life.
"That was more because I didn't have the financial support I needed, and also the first time you do something, people doubt you and you have to deal with that. It's pretty tough.
"Luckily I had enough support and enough good people around me that did believe me. I managed to ignore the people that I felt didn't and just get through it."
iLL Manors played at the Cannes Film Festival last month and has been met well by the critics.
And Drew will be stepping in front of the camera later this year as he teams up with Ray Winstone for a big screen remake of The Sweeney.
iLL Manors is out now.