The film was directed by Stephen Frears from a script by Peter Morgan, based in part upon "The Rivals" by James Naughtie. The film stars David Morrissey and Michael Sheen as Brown and Blair. It was first proposed by Morgan in late 2002 and was taken on by Granada Television for ITV. After Frears agreed to direct, and the cast were signed on, ITV pulled out of it over fears that the political sensitivity could affect its corporate merger. Channel 4 picked up the production and filming was carried out for five weeks in May 2003. The film was broadcast on 28 September 2003, the weekend prior to the Labour Party's annual party conference.