Reservoir Dogs star Michael Madsen has come to the UK to raise money for a new crime film, taking advantage of special tax breaks.

Madsen will co-produce as well as star in Red Light Runners, with fellow Reservoir Dog Christopher Penn and former Eastenders star Martin Kemp also lined up.

The star, who played Mr Blonde in Quentin Tarantino's 1993 heist classic, hopes to take advantage of the UK Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS).

Talks are ongoing with Dennis Hopper

Crime thriller Red Light Runners is likely to be filmed at studios and on location in London and the South East, and could feature BBC Radio 1 DJ Sara Cox in a minor role.

"Sara brings the blend of a strong female with the added value of a one person marketing bonanza," said co-producer Clark Westerman.

The film will be directed by Nick Egan, who has directed videos for Alanis Morrisette, Oasis, Duran Duran, Mick Jagger, INXS, and Kylie Minogue, and is working on the soundtrack.

'Sociological heist'

Madsen, currently working on big budget western, Blueberry, and with Tarantino on Kill Bill, is also currently negotiating with Harvey Keitel and Dennis Hopper to appear in the film.

Described by the Hollywood Reporter as a "sociological heist", Red Light Runners revolves around petty criminals who are manipulated by Madsen's character into more serious crime.

The UK has a reputation as a great place to make films and also to raise finance

Michael Madsen

For the film to go into production, the producers have set a �2m threshold, to be reached by 17 July.

If this target is not met, then investors will receive their money back. If it is met, the company hopes to raise �8m in total by 15 August.

The EIS structure allows for income and capital gains tax relief.

Producer and scriptwriter Mr Westerman said: "This is not a minority art film. It is aimed at the UK and US mass markets and it has the benefit of a list of well-known, highly respected actors.

"Many EIS films projects don't take into account US box office, where a majority of film revenue is derived."

Martin Kemp has already played gangsters

The film's investors will also be able to appear as extras and to attend the end-of-shoot party, a fundraising incentive that has been used before.

Madsen, who recently acted in the forthcoming 20th James Bond film, said: "The UK has a reputation as a great place to make films and also to raise finance.

"Harvey Keitel did the same thing with Reservoir Dogs and he and all investors did quite well. I've been hunting for a project that held the same qualities."

Martin Kemp added: "Red Light Runners has a clever plot that will tap into current headlines regarding speed cameras and right to privacy issues. I'm particularly excited to be working with Madsen."