NOAH MEDIA GROUP & CHANNEL 4 ANNOUNCE DOCUMENTARY ‘1966: WHO STOLE THE WORLD CUP?’ - THE INCREDIBLE STORY BEHIND THE STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE OF THE JULES RIMET TROPHY

Award-winning production, distribution and technology company Noah Media Group today announced new documentary 1966: Who Stole The World Cup? in partnership with Channel 4 and set to TX in the UK on November 14th.

England Football’s men’s team will be one of the favourites for victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, having finished runners-up to Italy at last summer’s delayed Euro 2020. The last time the Three Lions clinched victory in the tournament? 1966, when Bobby Moore raised the cup aloft. But he almost never got the chance to...

Just weeks ahead of the tournament, the Jules Rimet trophy was stolen in London. The UK government, the Football Association and the police force quickly became an international laughingstock. That is, until a dog named Pickles retrieved it - and became a national hero. The truth of who stole the World Cup and what happened to the statuette in the days it was missing has remained a mystery for decades. Until now.

Narrated by Alan Ford (Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels / Snatch), 1966: Who Stole The World Cup? reveals on screen for the very first time, the real story behind the strange disappearance of the Jules Rimet trophy - and the identity of the thieves whodunnit.

The 60-minute documentary follows the successes of Noah’s recent Prime Time Emmy & Grierson nominated documentary 14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible and Venice TV Awards Gold Medal winner Arsène Wenger: Invincible.

1966: Who Stole The World Cup? is produced and directed by Noah’s Richard Milway (Academies: Santos),and Marcus Liversedge (British As Folk). Noah Media Group & Channel 4 previously collaborated on the 2019 SJA Award-winning Adam Hills documentary, Take His Legs. 1966: Who Stole The World Cup? is one of three further documentary projects upcoming from Noah and Channel 4 and will be broadcast at 10pm on Monday 14th November on Channel 4. 

Noah CEO John McKenna says: “The story of what happened to the World Cup in 1966 is quite incredible! I am delighted that the Noah team has been able to bring this to life in such an entertaining, stranger-than-fiction style. We’re also very happy to be once again partnering with Channel 4 to bring this story to audiences across the UK.’ 

Will Rowson for Channel 4 added: ‘“I’m delighted to have commissioned this film. Like most football fans, I could tell you the name of the dog who found the World Cup but there’s so much more to this story than Pickles! It’s told here in a really entertaining and imaginative way. It’s tongue-in-cheek and irreverent whilst delivering genuine revelation”

Premium documentary production, distribution & technology company Noah Media Group are currently in production on an access-all-areas documentary on British boxing champion Ricky Hatton. Their upcoming feature length study of the intense friendship and tragic rivalry between Formula 1 legends, Villeneuve and Pironi, in partnership with Sky Studios & NBCUniversal, will World Premiere at next month’s DocNYC film festival.

Noah Media Group & Channel 4 announce documentary '1966: Who Stole the World Cup? - the incredible story behind the disappearance of the Jules Rimet trophy.

NOAH MEDIA GROUP & CHANNEL 4 ANNOUNCE '1966: WHO STOLE THE WORLD CUP?'

Award-winning production, sales, distribution and technology company Noah Media Group has taken worldwide sales rights, including the UK and North America, on a feature-length documentary on cultural icon, Irvine Welsh. Produced by LS Films, sales on I AM IRVINE WELSH will commence at this month’s MIPCOM. 

In I AM IRVINE WELSH, the Scotsman known internationally for his cultural phenomenon novel, Trainspotting, reflects on his remarkable life and offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a prolific artist at work and play, revealing his creative processes across literature, screenwriting and music. 

The acquisition of the LS Films production marks the first non-sport global sales project for Noah Media Group, the producers of the Prime Time Emmy nominated and Grierson nominated documentary 14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible and recent Venice TV Awards Gold Medal winner Arsène Wenger: Invincible. 

I AM IRVINE WELSH spends a year in the company of Welsh, giving candid insight into an extraordinary period as he publishes a new novel, launches a record label, works on two television series and adapts his most famed work and ground-breaking novel into a new West End musical. The film is imbued with Welsh’s radical sense of mischief and celebrates his incredible four decade-spanning career.

I AM IRVINE WELSH is directed by Paul Sng, the BAFTA nominated and BIFA winning director of Poly Styrene: I Am A Cliché. The producer is Natasha Dack, co-founder of Tigerlily Productions and an award-winning documentary and fiction producer. BAFTA winner Sarah Drummond executive produces, on behalf of LS Films.

Catherine Quantschnigg, Head of Sales at Noah Media Group comments:“Myself and the Noah team are delighted to be working with Sarah, Natasha and Paul on this fascinating study of a radical genius. I look forward to introducing I AM IRVINE WELSH to global buyers at Mipcom and expanding Noah’s premium documentaries slate with this absolute gem of a film.” 

Producer Natasha Dack comments: “I’m really excited to be working with director Paul Sng again, with the backing of Sarah Drummond and LS Films, and know that Paul will bring his customary verve and energy to this project, diving headfirst into the life of Irvine Welsh, one of the UK’s most important and era-defining authors. We’re all delighted that Noah Media Group has embraced our enthusiasm and are working with us to bring I AM IRVINE WELSH to a global audience.”

Premium documentary production, distribution & technology company Noah Media Group are currently in production on an access-all-areas documentary on British boxing champion Ricky Hatton, as well as a feature length study of the intense friendship and tragic rivalry between Formula 1 legends, Villeneuve and Pironi, in partnership with Sky Studios & NBCUniversal. 

In 2021, Noah took £2m in investment for developing the distribution & technology capabilities of the business ,from an impressive roster of technology, media & sport star backers including Formula 1 driver Mark Webber and former Wired editor David Rowan.

I AM IRVINE WELSH joins a diverse slate of Noah-produced titles and other recently announced third party films that will continue sales at Mipcom, including Arsène Wenger: Invincible, a co-production with Federation Entertainment and Jackie Stewart feature documentary, Stewart.

Noah Media Group has taken worldwide sales rights on a feature-length documentary on cultural icon, Irvine Welsh.

NOAH MEDIA GROUP TAKES WORLDWIDE SALES ON FEATURE DOC ABOUT TRAINSPOTTING AUTHOR IRVINE WELSH

SIMON CORNEY APPOINTED TO DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, OVERSEEING NEW SENIOR HIRES STUART RAMSAY AND IAN DAVIES.

Multi award-winning production, distribution and technology company Noah Media Group announced today the promotion of production executive Simon Corney into the newly-created position of Director of Production & Development. He will continue to report into CEO John McKenna as part of the Noah executive team.

Further appointments to the Development team announced today are Stuart Ramsay, Senior Development Producer, and Ian Davies, Senior Producer, Film.

Corney’s promotion is part of a company-wide initiative to increase production of premium documentary series and feature content for domestic and global audiences. The highly acclaimed NMG slate includes titles such as the Primetime Emmy-nominated, global Netflix Original smash, 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible; 2021 SJA-nominated docuseries South of The River, Grierson Award-nominated feature, Finding Jack Charlton and Amazon Original, Arsène Wenger: Invincible, a co-production with Federation Entertainment. This stream of successes has prompted the expansion of the NMG development team, including the two new key hires.

In his new role, Simon Corney will be responsible for development strategy, identifying opportunities across all lines of business to continue the trajectory of Noah’s ambitious growth in delivering exceptional documentary content to the biggest streaming platforms and broadcasters in the world. Corney has served as Executive Producer at NMG for five years, where he managed day-to-day development, commissioning, production, and delivery of major projects for myriad clients including Netflix, BBC, ITV, Channel 4, FIFA, UEFA and the Olympic Channel. Previous to his work at NMG, Corney boasts over decade of live TV & TV Production experience, producing content for FIFA, UEFA, Premier League, Europa League, and FA Cup, among others.

Stuart Ramsay has been appointed Senior Development Producer. Previously, Stuart worked for the LimePictures label Wise Owl Films, where he served as Development Executive and Series Producer, helping win commissions from the BBC, ITV, C4, More4, and Sky Arts. His producer credits include David Jason's Great British Inventions (More4), Guy Garvey: From The Vaults (Sky Arts), and When Bob Marley Came To Britain, (BBC2). Previous to his work at Wise Owl, Ramsay was Series Producer and Director at the ITV Studios label Shiver, where he developed and produced a broad range of documentaries and factual entertainment series including Last Laugh In Vegas, Gazza's Tears, Charles & Diana:Wedding Of The Century and David Jason: My Life On Screen.

Also announced is new hire Ian Davies joining NMG as Senior Producer, Film. He moves on from Initialize Films where he worked as a consultant for a number of national film funds including Creative Scotland, Screen Australia, and Swedish Film Institute. He worked on many award-winning films, such as Sundance winner God Help the Girl (Best Ensemble Cast), Emmy winner The English Surgeon, and BAFTA and BIFA winners ’71 and Starred Up. Davies was notably the co-creator of Boudica, the production and finance house for female-driven films and was Screenwriting Tutor for Oxford University’s Masters course in Creative Writing.​

Simon Corney shares: “I am delighted to be continuing my work with Noah, stepping into this new role at a crucial point in the company’s growth. I know first-hand that working alongside our exceptional growing team, we can continue to bring a diverse range of world-class documentary stories to audiences around the globe.”

NMG further announces the appointment of Neil Kirkham in the position of Finance Director, effective immediately. Kirkham joins NMG having spent eight years with All3Media, most recently as Head of Commercial Finance in their International Distribution arm. Kirkham’s appointment follows a trend of growth across the NMG business, joining newly appointed Esther Randall, Head of Business and Legal Affairs, Head of Production Elaine Nankervis, Head of Distribution & Marketing Drew Masters, and long-standing Head of Sales Catherine Quantschnigg on a highly qualified and diversified executive team.

Noah Media Group announced today the promotion of production executive Simon Corney into the newly-created Director of Production & Development.

BT SPORT WILL PREMIER GLORY HUNTERS ON THURSDAY 4 AUGUST AT 8PM ON BT SPORT 2.

Glory Hunters takes viewers on a rare journey into the world of football memorabilia and the iconic moments recalled by shirts, boots and other more unusual items, while also exploring the business of the auctioneers who sell often coveted and valuable items. The new documentary, produced by BT Sport with award-winning production company Noah Media Group, shines a light on the collectors who buy sports memorabilia and crave a connection to legends, as well as interviews with the players involved in creating the memories behind the legends.

Earlier this year, ahead of the Premier League’s 30-year anniversary next season, Graham Budd Auctions, one of the leading sports memorabilia auction houses in the world, ran a Premier League anniversary auction.

Glory Hunters covers the entire process, from the call to arms for items, to valuation days at football clubs to encourage fans, current and former players and members of the public to part company with their unique Premier League objects. Glory Hunters follows the items from discovery to valuation, and into the dramatic auction itself, with iconic Premier League archive used to illustrate the moment each artefact is related to.

Among those featured in Glory Hunters are Chris Sutton (Chris speaks about his Blackburn Rovers shirt from their season as champions), Danny Simpson (Danny auctions a Leicester shirt from his days playing for the 2015-16 title winners), Brian Deane (Brian talks about the shirt he wore when scoring the first ever Premier League goal in Sheffield United's game against Manchester United in 1992). The film also hears from the team behind Graham Budd Auctions including Tim Murphy, Adam Gascoigne and Graham Budd.

The film tracks down items of memorabilia associated with both major moments and players in the history of the Premier League, including Patrick Viera's Arsenal shirt from his infamous tunnel spat with Roy Keane at Highbury, Wayne Rooney's boots from his first ever Premier League goal for Everton against Arsenal, one of the rare match-worn Manchester United 'grey kits', which Sir Alex Ferguson ordered his team to change out of at half-time when losing at Southampton, a pair of boots belonging to Eric Cantona, and, one of Arsene Wenger's signature long padded touchline coats.

Barry Andrews, head of programming, BT Sport said: “Glory Hunters pays homage to the history of the Premier League with a colourful walk through the memorabilia associated with some of the most iconic moments and personalities of the past thirty years. Each item, buyer and seller has their own story to tell, all rooted in Premier League history. The film is a window into a world that's rarely been seen before and a truly unique way of celebrating the Premier League's anniversary.”

Noah Media Group Executive Producer Richard Makinson said: "Glory Hunters lifts the lid on a unique world where football fans have the opportunity to hold the game's greatest memories in their hands. It has been fascinating following the team at Graham Budd Auctions as they've crossed England tracking down 350 items that tell the story of 30 years of Premier League history. We're also delighted the film has seen Noah Media Group continue its excellent relationship with BT Sport, following our recent successful collaboration together on South Of The River."

Glory Hunters, produced by BT Sport with Noah Media Group, takes viewers on a rare journey into the world of football memorabilia.

GLORY HUNTERS LIFTS LID ON WORLD OF SPORTS MEMORABILIA

'HITMAN' MARKS THE LATEST CO-PRODUCTION BETWEEN NOAH MEDIA GROUP AND SKY STUDIOS

July 25th 2022, London: Production has commenced on Sky Original feature-length documentary HITMAN: THE RICKY HATTON STORY (w/t), exploring the incredible story of one of the world’s greatest living fighters.

HITMAN: THE RICKY HATTON STORY (w/t) is being produced with the full blessing of Hatton himself, who will share his unseen, personal archive and will be contributing hours of interviews, alongside his family, friends, fans and opponents. The film will chart Hatton’s incredible journey – the celebratory highs and the severe lows - from Manchester council estate, to the bright lights of Las Vegas.

Addressing contemporary themes such as class, money and celebrity, along with identity and mental health, HITMAN: THE RICKY HATTON STORY (w/t) is both a celebration and a cautionary tale that stretches far beyond the boxing ring; a rollercoaster of success and excess, regret, and redemption.

HITMAN is directed by BAFTA and Royal Television Society-nominated Dan Dewsbury (Louis Theroux's Forbidden America, Ian Wright: Home Truths) and produced by Noah Media Group’s John McKenna (14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible, Finding Jack Charlton, Arsène Wenger: Invincible).

Noah Media Group, the award-winning production company behind recent global Netflix hit, 14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible, and Sky Studios, Sky’s original programming arm across Europe, have entered the ring to co-produce HITMAN: THE RICKY HATTON STORY (w/t) as part of a development and production agreement between the companies. The film has been commissioned by Poppy Dixon, Sky’s Director of Documentaries and Factual, and is set to air on Sky Documentaries next year.

Noah Media Group and Sky Studios’ partnership on HITMAN: THE RICKY HATTON STORY (w/t) forms part of a multi-title development deal that was announced last year. In November 2021, the two companies commenced production on their first collaboration under this deal; an upcoming feature documentary centred around the captivating and tragic story of Formula One legends, Gilles Villeneuve & Didier Pironi, in collaboration with Sky Italia. These projects are expected to target Sky’s factual channels across Europe - and viewers around the world, with Sky’s sister company NBCUniversal taking a first-look option for global distribution.

Ricky Hatton said of today’s news: “I am absolutely thrilled to be partnering with Noah Media Group and Sky to make the definitive story of my life and career. To be working closely with Sky once again is a real pleasure for me; they were there from the very beginning of my professional boxing career and together, we really helped to create something special in British sport. My hope is that this film will be authentic and entertaining, but ultimately I want my fans and the public to really love it."

Producer & Noah CEO John McKenna added: “We are delighted to be in production with Ricky Hatton and with Sky Documentaries in the UK and Sky Studios on this powerful feature documentary. Already, Ricky is bringing incredible honesty and access to his life and I am certain this will be a film that delivers what we always strive for: a fascinating human story, rooted in sport, with themes that reach far beyond.”

Poppy Dixon, Sky’s Director of Documentaries and Factual said: “Ricky Hatton is a unique British hero, whose charm and character captivated the country throughout his boxing career. His powerful personal story makes this film about so much more than just boxing, and with the expertise of Noah Media Group producing the film with Sky Studios, this definitive portrait will join the ranks of high-end feature documentaries on the channel.”

Hatton is set to return to the ring for an exhibition fight against Mexican icon Marco Antonio, in front of his home crowd of Manchester, on November 12th; for the former light-welterweight world champion, it will be 10 years after he announced his retirement from boxing.

HITMAN: THE RICKY HATTON STORY (w/t) will be released internationally in early 2023 and is being distributed by NBCUniversal Global Distribution on behalf of Sky Studios.

Production has commenced on Sky Original documentary HITMAN: THE RICKY HATTON STORY, the incredible story of one of the world’s greatest living fighters.

DEFINITIVE FEATURE DOCUMENTARY ON THE GLOBAL BOXING LEGEND; 'HITMAN: THE RICKY HATTON STORY' IS NOW SHOOTING IN THE UK

FAMILY OF FERRARI F1® LEGEND GILLES VILLENEUVE MARK 40 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF FATAL CRASH

FIRST-LOOK FOOTAGE RELEASED FROM NEW FILM THAT EXPLORES THE CAPTIVATING VILLENEUVE PIRONI STORY – COMING SOON TO SKY

MAY 5TH 2022, London: This weekend’s Miami Grand Prix on May 8th will mark 40 years to the day since Canadian racing driver Gilles Villeneuve tragically lost his life in a devastating crash at the Belgian Grand Prix at Zolder. He was just 32 years old.

The family of Villeneuve, including Gilles’ wife Joann, daughter Melanie and F1® World Champion son Jacques, have marked the occasion with a poignant and powerful interview about the legacy of the racing icon, which is to be featured by multiple international broadcasters during the F1® coverage of Sunday’s race.

The exclusive interview footage was captured as part of upcoming documentary ‘Villeneuve Pironi’, which will tell the astonishing story of two supremely gifted Ferrari F1® drivers: Gilles Villeneuve & Didier Pironi, forever torn apart by a historic and hugely controversial moment in time. It is being produced by Noah Media Group and Sky Studios for Sky & NBCUniversal and is set for release later this year.

In the footage, shot at the recent Italian Grand Prix in Imola – the scene of the defining moment in the tragic ‘Villeneuve Pironi’ story – Joann speaks eloquently about Gilles’ life and legacy as a true racer: ‘Gilles believed that the edge is where you have to be. To him the best thing was kissing the guard rails.’

In addition to the first-look footage, images of Joann at Imola and an archive image of Gilles with the family in the prime of his racing career, have also been released to mark 40 years since Villeneuve’s passing.

Watch the exclusive clip here: https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/production/noah-releases-clip-from-villeneuve-pironi-doc/5170145.article

Charismatic and outspoken, the Canadian had risen from humble roots to realise his dream to race Formula 1®. Naturally talented, Villeneuve’s fearless racing style delighted the sport’s purists and captured the imagination of fans worldwide. The beloved ‘surrogate son’ of the legendary Enzo Ferrari, by the early 1980s Gilles appeared destined to dominate F1® for the famous Italian team.

Imola in April 1982 was the location of the now infamous “betrayal” between Ferrari teammates Gilles and Didier. It marked one of the most contentious moments in the history of the sport and ‘Villeneuve Pironi’ will tell this astonishing story with the support of both families for the very first time.


Melanie Villeneuve added: ‘We are delighted to be working with Noah Media Group for the production of this docu-film. John Mckenna, Torquil Jones and the entire Noah team have done a tremendous job, doing extensive research, providing high-quality interviews and footage to tell a story which is important to my family.’

Currently in production across the UK, Canada, France and Italy and in collaboration with Sky Italia, both the Villeneuve and the Pironi families, respectively, will contribute to the feature-length documentary, as will some of the biggest names in Formula 1® history. The film will be directed by Torquil Jones (14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible, Bobby Robson: More Than a Manager), and produced by John McKenna (14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible, Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans) as well as former Formula 1® driver Mark Webber.

First-look footage released for new Formula 1 documentary film exploring the captivating Villeneuve Pironi story.

FIRST LOOK FOOTAGE RELEASE OF NEW F1® DOC VILLENEUVE PIRONI

The latest news on our production and distribution projects as well as updates and insights from the Noah Media Group team.

News

NOAH MEDIA GROUP & CHANNEL 4 ANNOUNCE '1966: WHO STOLE THE WORLD CUP?'

NOAH MEDIA GROUP TAKES WORLDWIDE SALES ON FEATURE DOC ABOUT TRAINSPOTTING AUTHOR IRVINE WELSH

NOAH MEDIA CONTINUES AMBITIOUS EXPANSION

GLORY HUNTERS LIFTS LID ON WORLD OF SPORTS MEMORABILIA

DEFINITIVE FEATURE DOCUMENTARY ON THE GLOBAL BOXING LEGEND; 'HITMAN: THE RICKY HATTON STORY' IS NOW SHOOTING IN THE UK

FIRST LOOK FOOTAGE RELEASE OF NEW F1® DOC VILLENEUVE PIRONI