Roy Williams Clint Dyer and Sir Lenny Henry board Film4’s ‘Three Degrees’

The creative team behind BAFTA-nominated Death Of England: Face To Face are in development on Three Degrees with Film4, and have attached prolific British actor Sir Lenny Henry as Executive Producer. Clint Dyer (“Get Up, Stand Up” The Musical, Death of England: Face to Face), whose production of “Othello” is currently on at the National Theatre, will direct and Roy Williams (Death of England: Face to Face) is writing the screenplay.

Three Degrees is a remarkable true story.  In 1978/9, during the Winter Of Discontent, three young, Black footballers - Cyrille Regis, Brendon Batson and Laurie Cunningham - transformed the fortunes of West Bromwich Albion as well as becoming a beacon of hope and inspiration for Black and Ethnic Minority players. Their skills, personalities and drive left a lasting impact on the club, football and society more widely; kickstarting the long, slow and painful journey of Black and Minority Ethnic players establishing themselves in football across the western world. 

Producing is Richard Holmes of Big Rich Films (God’s Own Country, The Ritual, Eden Lake) alongside Graham Silk of TRuth Pictures (Shooting Fish). Silk’s father was vice-chair of West Bromwich Albion during the 1970s, and Silk persuaded the last remaining of the trio, Brendon Batson, to join as an Executive Producer. Silk has also attached Paul Rees, the author of the definitive book on the subject, The Three Degrees, as the film’s creative consultant.

Dyer comments: “It’s wonderful to be working with Roy again, and on this amazing, powerful story. Film4 are the perfect partners for this inspirational project and are as keen as we are to honour these men and their achievements.”

Williams adds: "Such a thrill to be writing the story of these incredible three men who were such an inspiration to me growing up. How could I do not do it?” 

Ben Coren adds: “We’re really excited to partner with such an inspiring team to bring this remarkable and resonant true-life story to the screen.” Casting is planned for early next year with a shoot date to be announced in 2023.