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| The football factory film- Filming re starts Riot police were called to Bermondsey yesterday, as about 40 of Chelsea's top boys took on around 80 of Millwall's elite front-line troops. The fight, close to The New Den, was eventually broken up by the police, but not before a member of one of Chelsea's younger firms was seriously injured. While the Millwall crew had their young spotters out searching for the main Chelsea mob, a select few from West London's finest had slipped into the heart of enemy territory unnoticed, after travelling to South East London in small groups before eventually joining forces close to the ground. After several hours of 'cat and mouse' with both their opponents and the local police, the two firms met on a small piece of waste ground between the myriad of railway arches that surround the Millwall stadium. |
| After the briefest of standoffs, the two sides began fighting, with neither wishing to concede any ground. While some individuals fought toe to toe, some of the combatants found themselves overwhelmed and were taking heavy beatings. As the battle intensified, a Millwall 'snatch squad' picked out one particular Chelsea supporter who'd bravely steamed in single handed and managed to separate him from the rest of his comrades. As the fighting raged, the unlucky Blue was dragged away to behind the Millwall front line and was severely beaten before losing consciousness after receiving serious head injuries. As the rest of the Chelsea gallantly held their line, the police arrived to try to restore order. Protected by their riot helmets and wielding their batons, they got straight in amongst it as they tried to separate the two sides. Realising that the police had turned up, most of the fighting began to stop as people turned their attention to escaping from the long arm. As the two firms began to withdraw, the police suddenly found their resources stretched and those at the edge of their own lines began to come under pressure from both sets of supporters as some of the retreating foot soldiers began to skirmish with them. However, the police had the final say, as order - to that particular little part of London at least - was eventually restored. As if you hadn't already guessed, the above 'battle' was a scene from a film that is being made of the cult classic book "Football Factory" that was written by Chelsea supporter John King. Filmed within a Hasselbaink blast over the bar's distance away from The New Den (nah - it was closer than that!), the two firms were comprised of both genuine Chelsea and Millwall supporters (with a few other odds and sods thrown in) who'd sportingly agreed to turn up to take part in the day's events. After at least 11 hours filming and many attempts to get the action looking right, there were the inevitable minor injuries to some. However, although at times some of the acting looked like it might turn into the real thing, as soon as the order "Cut!" was shouted, all involved just stood up, laughed about it and shook hands with their opposite numbers and prepared to do it all again. At the end of the day's filming, all those who took part then went back to the location base to find iced bottles and cans of lager waiting for them. As the now weary actors enjoyed their drink, all were agreed that it had been a brilliant day. As the 'main actors', those who had the leading roles in the film were privileged enough to be allowed to see some of the footage that had been shot and, by all accounts, what they saw looked very real. Perhaps that is little wonder considering that most of those who took part had some experience or other of what might commonly be described as 'terrace culture'. As I said previously, it was a top day and all involved are now walking at least two inches off the ground, safe in the knowledge that they will have played their part in what will surely become the movie about football culture that will set the standard. Those 'in the know' say that, while the filming is nearly complete, the long task of cutting and editing has still to come and the producers hope that it will be ready for release in the late summer of 2004. Stay tuned to this channel for more news on "Football Factory". |
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| BBC Hooligans Series-Jason Williams Interview Hooligans are on the rampage, smashing up everything in their path. How do you capture it on film? Undercover producer Jason Williams describes the dangers he faced in the making of BBC Two's Hooligans programme. Filming undercover, whether it is exposing disreputable business men or mixing with hooligan gangs can be exciting, but also very dangerous. Exciting because of the complete adrenalin rushes it gives you and dangerous because of the fear of exposure. The subject of football was rarely discussed amongst hooligans Months of hard work and research could be wasted if you fail to convince someone you are who they think you are. There is also the threat of being the victim of a violent attack. Preparation is vital. I love football and know enough about the game - so that was not a concern. In fact I came to learn the subject of football was rarely discussed amongst hooligans. On match days, their preoccupation with finding rival firms often took centre stage. Followers of fashion It was looking the part that concerned me more. To pass as a football hooligan I had to look like one and that meant wearing the right kind of gear. There is a fascination among football hooligans with designer labels such as Lacoste, Burberry, Aquascutum and in particular with Italian label Stone Island. Having trawled the designer shops, I felt confident that I would at least be accepted as a "lad" - a term football hooligans use amongst their peers. Unfortunately for them, their taste in clothes can be their undoing. I was turned away from a pub in Cardiff on one occasion. Ironically, it was not for wearing a football shirt, but for wearing Stone Island because of its association with hooligan culture. The town is home of Cardiff City's notorious "Soul Crew", one of the top hooligan firms in Britain. I was there on the opening weekend of the season for the Charity Shield. Being an Englishman, I knew it would be difficult to convince them I was one of their own. But somehow my Welsh accent passed the test. Armed with my secret camera, I had been with them through the day as they searched for trouble. We roamed the back streets of Cardiff looking for Manchester United fans, and trying to avoid the police. "Can you smell that?" one said looking straight at me, "I can smell ****ing English." For an instant, I thought my cover was blown. But luckily his comments were not aimed at me. There was no more trouble that day. I was able to leave without being caught out by this violent group. No one likes them But in my opinion, by far the most dangerous football firm in Britain is Millwall. I have travelled undercover to eight matches, home and away, with them this season. In March 2002, we were expecting trouble at their game in Portsmouth. Earlier in the season I had witnessed a mob of Millwall lads attack a Pompey fan outside The New Den in South-east London. Walking to the ground I could see that many of Millwall's hardcore hooligans had made the trip. They are known as "The Bushwhackers", and they had not come all this way to take in the sea air. Stewards were searching everyone entering the ground. I became concerned for my safety. I have been searched by police officers and stewards before. Trying to explain who you are and why you are carrying a secret camera tends to lead to a lot of questioning. The last thing I wanted was to be searched in front of Millwall's mob. Casually I moved to the back, and slipped away down a side road before the police had an opportunity to usher everyone into the ground. I waited until kick-off, as by then the stewards and police were inside. I paid my entrance fee and walked through the turnstile. Another close escape. |
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| Its a Casual Life-Premiere Screening It's a Casual Life' is a 15-minute short film (fictional) looking at the world of football violence from a Casual's perspective. Through a mix of monologue and the dramatic events of one day, the film challenges the myths behind football hooliganism, questioning who is really involved, what is really involved, and why those who are consider it to be the ultimate buzz. Its just had its first press screening in soho london 9/10/03. The film was directed and produced by Jon S. Baird with screenplay by prolific author on the subject, Dougie Brimson. Baird has previously worked with some of the most successful television producers in their respective fields: Anil Gupta (The Office), Brian Park (Bad Girls, Footballers Wives) and Steven Bailey (Modern Times). The film has now been submitted to several festivals throughout Europe and the US the results of which, will be known by the end of the year. Future plans for the film directly after the festival circuit are to show theatrically in the UK and then to release on DVD & VHS. "Imagine winning the lottery and finding out you've lost the ticket. Then being told your 13 year old daughter's been knocked up, half an hour before your team are due to play in a cup final. Now condense that into a single second, times it by 20 and you won't even get f**king close to what we were feeling." "...some of the most authentic looking gang fighting committed to celluloid" - The Daily Telegraph " an extremely powerful short film " - The Daily Mail " a violent short film" - The Guardian "...an extremely violent fight scene" - BBC Radio 5 Live Taken from www.itsacasuallife.com |
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| Football Factory in post production Based on the acclaimed novel by John King, The Football Factory is about a forgotten culture of males fed up with being told they're no good and using violence as a drug they describe as being more potent than sex and drugs put together.Adapted and directed by Nick Love, The Football Factory is seen through the eyes of four men, all of who have a different story to tell about their experience with tribal culture on the terraces of the beautiful game. There is no set release date at the moment but its thought to be early summer. For those whove already see the film will probably agree its quiet a realistic effort, though it does drag somewhat in the middle. |