West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan has been juggling the beautiful game with the silver screen once again as executive producer of The Hatton Garden Job, which is released in cinemas up and down the country today.
A remarkable true story set over one long Easter weekend; the star-studded movie follows four ageing East End criminals – led by 76 year-old Brian Reader – as they pull off the largest heist in English legal history.
Larry Lamb (EastEnders, Gavin & Stacey), Phil Daniels (EastEnders, Quadrophenia) and West Ham fan Stephen Moyer (Concussion, True Blood) lead an all-star cast in the most anticipated British film of the year.
whufc.com spoke to the Joint-Chairman about his latest venture away from the football pitch.
Most people know you as the Joint-Chairman of West Ham and as a successful businessman – is the film industry something you have always had a passion for too?
I love British films and I love thrillers. I don’t make any money doing it, but it’s my hobby and it’s great to create jobs for people. This is the best film I’ve ever made.
You’re the Executive Producer of the film, what did that role entail and how much did you enjoy it?
Putting up and digging up the finance. Liaising with partners in picking a director. Then just having the fun of watching it being made.
What in particular about this story and this project made you want to get involved?
I love British crime stories and this is a fascinating real life tale of how four OAPs robbed over £200m worth of valuables from a safe deposit facility in Hatton Garden. The incident has been called the “largest burglary in English legal history” and had the nation captivated at the time.
There are some huge names in the picture – what was it like working with them on set?
It was fantastic, they are all lovely people. They don’t have egos and loved the script and the plot. Once they had read it, they were all very eager to be in the film.
Overall how happy are you with the way the film has turned out?
I am absolutely delighted, it really couldn’t have turned out better. It’s very similar to the Bank Job, which came out a decade ago.
Why should West Ham supporters go and watch this film?
If you love an action, British, crime thriller, it’s the best one for a long time.
The Hatton Garden Job is in cinemas and on all digital platforms, including Sky Box Office and iTunes, from Friday 14 April.