This is a self explanatory press release I have received, which I thought might be of interest to some of you.
Bobby Moore Movie Limited
Offer for Subscription of Shares under the Enterprise Investment Scheme (“EIS”) to raise up to £1.15 million
A feature length documentary on the life of Bobby Moore, to be titled ‘BOBBY’ has gone into production ahead of a cinematic release to coincide with the 50th anniversary next summer of England’s 1966 win.
The early stages of the film’s production have been funded by private investors. An Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) qualifying production company has been established for further funding, for which HMRC approval has been granted. The film will also qualifying for the Film Tax Credit and will receive an advance from a major film distributor.
It is intended to raise up to £1.15m from private investment under the EIS to finance the full production of the film and its marketing.
An EIS qualifying company allows the investor to reclaim up to 30% Income Tax relief on their investment, with the proceeds being free of Capital Gains Tax. Other benefits of the investment include it being Inheritance Tax Free after 2 years and the opportunity to defer Capitals Gain Tax due or already paid.
“Moore” – the working title – has the support of both of the sporting icon’s wives, the Football Association and a percentage of all profits will go to the Bobby Moore Fund for research into bowel cancer, the disease which brought his life to a premature end in 1993 at the age of 51.
The film is directed by award winner Ron Scalpello and co-written and produced by the television presenter and journalist Matthew Lorenzo, who grew up with Bobby Moore (his sports writer father Peter was one of the player’s close friends, going on to organise his testimonial).
Lorenzo said, “I was lucky enough to know the man. But there was so much behind the golden haired façade which Bobby kept to himself. We will tell the real story – the lows and the highs – which, to my mind, make him even more of a hero.
“This is more than just an inspirational life story. We want people to understand properly a man who did so much for sport in this country. More than that, he was a symbol for the country’s emergence from the black and white days of the fifties. It’s as though we went from monochrome to colour, and Bobby Moore was at the centre of all of that.”
An FA spokesman commented, “Outside Wembley Stadium there stands one statue: that of Bobby Moore. As we approach the 50th anniversary of England’s finest sporting moment – wining the World Cup n 1966 – it is fitting we remember one of our greatest footballers by supporting the film that celebrates his life.”
Bobby Moore’s friend Pele has already been interviewed for the project, and the producers are set to film David Beckham, Franz Beckenbauer and stars such as Michael Caine, Ray Winstone and James Corden in the coming months.
The film will mix as yet unseen archive footage with interviews – new and old – to tell the real stories behind Bobby Moore’s footballing glory: his battle with two bouts of cancer; the facts that led to false accusations about a stolen bracelet and the failure to give a home-grown hero anything like the respect he deserved in later life.
Stephanie Moore said “I really appreciate the film makers support for the Bobby Moore Fund.” So far Moore’s widow has raised more than £21 million for the charity. The Fund will receive 5% of any profits from the film.
Ends
Offer Manager – CHF Enterprises
Contact email: louiseoliverATchfmediaDOTcom
Phone number 0845 512 1000
UPDATE: Matthew Lorenzo has asked me to post this message to WHTID readers…
“Thanks everyone for your interest in the film. Just to let you know it’s been something of a labour of love. I’ve been working on it for nearly two years now.
I grew up with Bobby Moore, thanks to his friendship with my late father Peter, ITV’s first commentator, a leading journalist in his time and the organiser of Bobby’s testimonial. What’s more he was a West Ham nut who passed on his love of the Irons which allowed me to mention the fact whenever I was on the telly giving an unbiased report.
Bobby Moore was a hero and I’ve discovered some facts which make him even more so. The film is revelatory but not in a sensationalist way. I hope it will proves as popular with sports fans as with anyone interested in a genuinely human story about someone who faced so much, hid so much and deserved so much more from the powers that be.
We’re contributing to the Bobby Moore Fund and we have the support of the FA. And a host of big names who knew the man well. As for Beckham, and Corden, well I think it’s important to reach out the new generation – to let them hear about a real hero from the heroes of today.
And if we can get Mr Cameron to change the rules about posthumous knighthoods then we’ll have done a good job.
I just want to be proud to say I was part of it, come the release in summer next year.
And I’ve got the Oscars speech worked out already…”