Wright and Peggs spent a lot of time conducting interviews with police officers as part of their preparation for the film, and the research helped inform them of character names. The duo discovered that a disproportionate amount of policemen were named either Nick or Andy, resulting in both the main character being named Nicholas Angel and the Andes receiving their names. However, Angels name also came from elsewhere namely, the films lighting director Nick Angel. Based off past experiences, Angel who collaborated with Wright on Shaun of the Dead, the upcoming The Worlds End and in the Wright-produced Attack the Block also inspired the misspelt Angle jokes that come the main characters way throughout the film.