Sporting Films announce their plan to film the hidden story of ASTON VILLA’s winning of the European Cup in 1982.
It was one of the great night of English Football – but not for long!
The next night the cup was “Nicked!” from a supporters’ celebration at a pub in Tamworth!
“Nicked!” is based on the hilarious true events of that night – a real comedy caper with car chases, a host of loveable characters, wild parties, peaking with a celebrity football game involving, amongst others, some soccer mad Sheffield Policemen – along with surprising cameo appearances – all packed into 24 hours and all vying to return the cup, back to Aston Villa before UEFA, Aston Villa’s Directors or the fans find out it had gone walkies!
”Nicked!” is being made with the support of Aston Villa F.C., will be shot entirely in and around Birmingham, using local crews and Birmingham based actors. The 105 minute film will be ready to hit the cinema screens in the autumn of 2018, with a budget of £1.25m. Worldwide sales to soccer mad countries are hoped to reap distribution rewards to investors.
First actor on board was local actor, and avid Aston Vila fan Ian Lavender (Dad’s Army), who plays a major role. Other roles are being cast. There are plenty of scenes for local “extras” and day players, and we will also be searching for senior Film Production talent in Birmingham.
“Nicked!” written by Jon King, will be a first feature film for TV Director Lee Salisbury who cut his teeth Directing Eastenders, Coronation Street, Holby City and Emmerdale, and is used to bringing projects in – on time and on budget.
The only thing holding back the production now – is money. The new West Midlands Production Fund has been asked for support, as have a major TV Sports Channel, and the Film’s Distributors, but this really is a Birmingham movie and we are looking for Birmingham corporate and personal sponsors who will loan us the money against future sales receipts. We have EIS/SEIS advance assurance from HMRC for private investors who want to be involved, and we will be launching a Kickstarter campaign in December.
This is a Birmingham story, a comedy drama, recreating a famous 1982 event, being made in Birmingham in April and May 2018 using local Birmingham Crews, Actors, and Locations. We ask Birmingham to support us.
There will be a Gala Premiere in the Autumn, in Birmingham, in aid of Local Charities.
“Nicked!” Producer, Adrian Bracken of Sporting Films, will be at the Birmingham Film Festival 23rd-26th November.
