Liverpool FC Forum

by **NANNY RED** » Thu Oct 28, 2010 10:41 am

Cant wait to see this ,

Derby film set for premiere

It's renowned across the globe for it's one of a kind banter and tonight the unique rivalry that engulfs the Merseyside derby will be immortalised on the big screen in a new feature film premiering at Liverpool One's Odeon Cinema.

Reds and Blues (The Ballad of Dixie and Kenny) embraces the distinctive relationship between Liverpool and Everton supporters living in the city via the tale of a die-hard Kopite family and their next-door neighbours, who are of Toffee persuasion.

Co-written and produced by acclaimed Scouse playwright Dave Kirby, along with Paul Flanagan, the movie is a spin-off from last year's smash 15 Minutes that Shook the World, the film that explored the events of a certain night in Istanbul five years ago.

Dave explains: "15 Minutes is what the inspiration behind this was. The cameo scene in the Evertonian pub in the film with the little kid swearing about Liverpool was something all of my Blue mates loved.

"So much so, in fact, the former Everton captain Kevin Ratcliffe phoned me to ask if he could adopt the kid after watching the film!

"The positive reaction meant I knew I'd connected with the Everton side of the city and I began to think about doing something for the whole city.

"So this film follows that Everton-supporting family home from the pub, and they just happen to live next door to a gang of crazy Reds."

Reds and Blues follows Dixie, a rabid Evertonian played by former Brookside actor Paul Duckworth, who returns to live with his sister after being 'bin bagged'.

Next door, however, is Kenny (Andrew 'Scully' Schofield) and his family of fanatical Reds who are preparing to host a special party to commemorate Liverpool's European Cup triumphs of 1977 and 2005.

It doesn't take long for the banter to get into full swing and hilarity ensues as Dixie's determination to scupper the festivities paves the way for some unforgettable exchanges of repartee between the two families, culminating in a side-splitting 8 Mile-style rap battle between the two lead characters across the dividing garden fence in which the pair trade off rapid-fire witticisms.

"It's nice to have created something where Reds and Blues are shoulder to shoulder, laughing both at and with each other," continues Dave.

"It's amazing how it's never been touched upon before. The rivalry between Reds and Blues is a massive culture within the city, but nobody has ever done a comedy about it, so this is unique in that sense.

"There was some great banter on the set on a day-to-day basis, which is natural. Don't get me wrong it can be brutal, but it never descends into nasty stuff. It's what we've grown up with in the city.

"If you go to Manchester, Bristol or the north east, it's total vitriol. Even when they're not playing each other, the hatred is there all the time. It's different here in Liverpool - we've got families spilt down the middle with Reds and Blues, so it is very unique.

"Both Liverpool and Everton Football Clubs were absolutely fantastic. They provided us with all the merchandise to kit out the two houses on the set, which was a great gesture."

Former Merseyside stars Alan Kennedy, Ian St John, John Aldridge, Jimmy Case, Tommy Smith, Mark Ward, Graham Stuart and Howard Kendall all make cameo appearances in the movie, along with Jamie Carragher's dad, Philly.

After tonight's red and blue carpet premiere, the DVD is set to hit stores next month and will be available in the colours of both teams.

It represents the conclusion of another whirlwind few months for Dave, who reveals he only finalised the writing of the movie in spring.

"I wrote it back in March and April and we've been waiting for this night for the last few months, so to finally get to it is fantastic," he admits.

"People in the film industry wouldn't believe that you could write a script for a feature film in the spring and have it out on DVD in time for Christmas. It's been a massive effort by the great team I've had around me. It's through their dedication, tenacity and passion that it's got to this point."

As a staunch Red himself, Dave was eager to get an Evertonian's input on the script for the 80-minute movie to provide a fair balance.

"Our main cameraman last year was Ian Lysaght, and he also helped edit the film," he says.

"He's a massive Blue, so on this movie he's helped co-produce, direct and edit it - so he's a major part of it.

"It's great to have that collaboration and his input was important in helping to dilute the script. That's why we think we've got it right."

Ian adds: "We've all had to go into work the day after losing a derby and it's horrible, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love the banter and that's where this film stems from - that conflict and friction between fans.

"We hope people watching will be able to laugh at the jokes both for and against their club."

Reds and Blues (The Ballad of Dixie and Kenny) premieres tonight at the Liverpool One Odeon Cinema.

The DVD, which also features a blooper reel and a 40-minute documentary on the history of the Merseyside derby, goes on sale next month.

by **Kharhaz** » Fri Oct 29, 2010 2:41 am

15 Minutes is what the inspiration behind this was. The cameo scene in the Evertonian pub in the film with the little kid swearing about Liverpool was something all of my Blue mates loved.

I hate hearing kids swear, I am swaying away from the subject totally, but this quote is what is wrong with today's attitude. When I hear a kid swear it really does make me cringe. I remember going on a trip once with my missus' nephews and one of them blurted out "fuck off", I couldnt help the disgust on my face, it was made worse when the mother did nothing about it.

Poor parenting breed unfit children.

It makes me sick.

by **NANNY RED** » Fri Oct 29, 2010 11:09 am

Kharhaz yes i understand what your goin on about but this is a film mate ,bases id say on everyday things that get said betwwen a red and a blitter. weather it be a kid or an arl granny like me, it happens , your hear kids in the street everyday like you said and yes its sometimes horrible to hear, and yes id go into one if my grandaughter came out and called me red sh.ite , but as i said its a film and those who choose to go and see it know what to expect , because as i said its heard every day , Its heard with me and my son , he tells my grandaughter to phone me and say things when weve got beat or played :censored:

.not big mad swaer words like i said it only banter and its real, personaly i cant wait to go and see it ive already asked the kids to order the DVD for me as part of my Chrombo pressie and i will watch it with the bitters in my house on Xmas day no doubt and we will have a good laugh ,same as we did last year with the 15 minutes one, which my bitter son found amusing an all seeing it was loads of :censored:

takes in the pub, Buy it mate you might even enjoy it,

by **NANNY RED** » Fri Oct 29, 2010 10:02 pm

Sneak preview , absolutly cant wait to see this, ME AND MY SON WILL BE WATCHING IT TOGETHER :laugh:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8MI7ohai40&feature=player_embedded

by **Ben Patrick** » Sun Oct 31, 2010 3:23 pm

Looks brilliant this, cant wait to see it

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