Keira Knightley acts for free

Apr 14, 2010, 12:01 GMT

Keira Knightley agreed to appear in her latest film for free.

The 'Pirates of the Caribbean' star appears as Elizabethan lover Constance in 10-minute short film 'Maze', the debut of painter Stuart Pearson Wright, for free because she is so in tune with his ideas.

The short features the actress and her lover - played by the artist - in full period costume, lost in a maze trying to find each other and was shot in one day for just £15,000.

Speaking about her decision to appear in 'Maze', Keira told The Independent newspaper: "I loved the idea of doing something that was purely creative, weird and wonderful and not a commercial venture.

"Ideas were emailed and then developed at Stuart's studio over cupcakes and tea, and under the skeleton of his dog, and a film piece was decided on: a collision of our worlds."

The director admits it was a nerve-wracking experience for him to work with such a high-profile actress on his very first film, but insists Keira instantly put him at ease.

Stuart said: "I was impressed Keira agreed to do the film straight away. She had the humility to take direction from somebody who lacked experience.

"She was as un-diva like as anybody could be, because she is so down to earth. She is not into playing the whole star game. She genuinely loves acting and I think she gives a great performance, in this film, in a very uncomfortable dress."

'Maze' will be premiered alongside Stuart's latest exhibition, 'I Remember You' at London's Riflemaker Gallery between May 5 and June 6.