Starring Martin Clunes in the lead role, the film was shot in Scarborough, chosen because its appearance was believed to be similar to that of London when Haigh lived there during the 1940s, and also Saltaire to represent his early life.

Directed by Harry Bradbeer and written by Glenn Chandler, A Is for Acid also featured among its cast Keeley Hawes, Richard Hope and Celia Imrie.

While serving a prison sentence for fraud, Haigh reads about the term corpus delicti, wrongly assuming it means murder cannot be proven without the presence of a body.

After learning that Betty gave birth to a daughter and moved away, Haigh travels to London upon his release, where he finds employment as an engineer.

Finally, Haigh kills Olive Durand-Deacon, a fellow Onslow Court resident, when his funds begin to run low.

The Scarborough News reported in November 2001 Yorkshire Television was working on a production titled A Is for Acid that would portray the life of the serial killer John George Haigh, and that Martin Clunes had been cast in the starring role.

Scenes for the forthcoming production would be filmed in locations around Scarborough, particularly the town's South Cliff area, which was believed to resemble Kensington as it had looked during the time Haigh lived there in the 1940s.

The Manchester Evening News carried an interview with Clunes on 9 September 2002, the day the film was aired, in which the actor spoke about the role: "I've never been asked to play someone who actually existed before.

The police station to which John takes Constance Lane to report her friend missing, was filmed at Wetherby Council Offices.