Part of a two-picture deal Jason Statham signed with Franchise Pictures, the original financier. The deal included "Chaos" and "Baker Street", a bank heist movie. When Franchise went bust "Baker Street" went into turnaround and found a home at another studio. It was retitled The Bank Job (2008). Statham followed the project through turnaround and eventually starred after waiting two years.
Screen Gems almost released the film theatrically in the US, but a financial deal couldn't be made regarding release prints and advertising between the studio and producers. Eventually Lionsgate picked up the film and went through the same drama with producers, They eventually sent the film straight to DVD.
The film was shot in only 22 days because of massive budgetary problems. The original schedule called for 40 days of principal photography.
When filming began, the film was to be a Franchise Pictures production and was to be released by Warner Bros in theaters. However, Franchise went bust early into filming and parent company Mobius International took over financial control.
Although the finished film had numerous positive test screenings, the producers considered removing Trevor Jones' "Chaos theme" from the end credits and wanted to replace it with a generic rock song. The director fought to keep the track and eventually won.