Spirit of the Game – join our stand against racism!
[email protected]
What it is
The Spirit of the Game initiative has organically grown around the young adult’s novel Spirit of the Game by Geoff Francis. The flagships of our campaign are a groundbreaking, beautifully-crafted interactive animated graphic novel or a unique 2D animated movie.
The storyline of Spirit of the Game engages with a number of issues which are divisive elements within our society today, particularly focusing upon racism.
The story unfolds against the background of football (which has enormous global influence and provides role models for countless young people) and challenges endemic racism in a way that invites the audience to address the prejudices they might hold.
Our team commands an amazing range of talent: BAFTA‐winning director and animator Tony White; Award‐winning artist and author Geoff Francis; Leading animation professionals (ex-Disney/Pixar/Dreamworks); Voiceover Artists including RSC actor Patrick Robinson (Casualty and Strictly Come Dancing).
Why we are doing it
The Spirit of the Game team all hold a strong personal belief in the need for a respect for all life, whatever shape or form it takes. We believe that racism and prejudice should be eradicated from human thinking.
What it will achieve
Spirit of the Game is particularly targeted to engage young people on issues of racism and a more compassionate way of living. If they can change their thinking, and thereby their actions, hate born of fear will lose its dominance in global society.
“On behalf of our people I want to pay a very, very warm tribute to Stanley Matthews and to say that he would not have known just how incredibly significant what he did was to our self-esteem. It made a contribution to people not becoming anti-white because they were able to say there are white people who care about the plight of black people.” ~ Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Race for Sport is delighted to endorse this ground making project which will make a significant contribution to football and underline the unique legacy of one of football’s legendary figures who really made a huge difference to the lives of those he touched, not only in the UK where he is perhaps best known, but in many parts of Africa where his dream lives on. The ability of this film to reflect the values of Stanley Matthews has the potential to combat all forms of discrimination for present day audiences in many parts of the world where diversity and equality connect." ~ Judge Peter Herbert OBE, Chair of the Society of Black Lawyers
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"The Sir Stanley Matthews Foundation is fully supportive of a high quality and professional venture to produce an animated film outlining the ideals of one of the finest footballers the world has ever seen, Sir Stanley Matthews." ~ Nigel Johnson. Chairman of the Sir Stanley Matthews Foundation
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spirit of the Game is a magical celebration of one of the purest spirits in the beautiful game. Stanley Matthews was a paragon, a nonpareil, a childhood hero and a role model, devilishly skillful, free of ego and materially incorruptible whose good works have lived on. His pioneering kicked racism into touch. An animated film about Stanley Mathews that brings him back to life has all the makings of a feel-good movie that’s going to make a difference to every street, every patch of ground and every favela where football is played. The treatment and the inspiring trailer bode well. ~ Heathcote Williams, poet, playwright, actor, author
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I'm terribly excited that my father will be seen by the world again. He came from a time where the media was not like it is today and so much of what he did and said was not reported. I believe that with what Geoff and Tony are doing it will definitely bring to everyone's attention the true 'spirit of the game' that my father lived every day of his life, albeit largely unseen. It is wonderful that for the centenary of his birth there will be such a wonderful film that honors him!" ~ Jean Gough, Patron of the Stanley Matthews Foundation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"If, like me, racism just never occurred to you as a child, it is with horror and disappointment that you grow up and discover the truth. To learn, then, of those who have made it their mission to wipe out and cut through ignorance, is inspiring and empowering, and to be able to access these stories, with wonderfully crafted books such as Geoff Francis’ ‘Spirit of the Game’, is a joy and a gift. As a friend and ally of Geoff Francis for many, many years, I have always trusted that anything he becomes involved in, and more importantly, creates, will be something that I would be more than happy to endorse, and more than honoured to be part of. From anti-racism to animal rights I know that I can trust Geoff and what he has to say, as whatever are his beliefs, they are mine also. Spirit of the Game wraps itself around so many issues, and all of them are in search of giving the voiceless a voice and expanding our imaginations." ~ Carol Royle, Actor
What we are looking for
• Endorsement of the aims of Spirit of the Game
• Contributions to help fund the animated graphic novel or film
• Sponsorship through corporate product placement
What it is
The Spirit of the Game initiative has organically grown around the young adult’s novel Spirit of the Game by Geoff Francis. The flagships of our campaign are a groundbreaking, beautifully-crafted interactive animated graphic novel or a unique 2D animated movie.
The storyline of Spirit of the Game engages with a number of issues which are divisive elements within our society today, particularly focusing upon racism.
The story unfolds against the background of football (which has enormous global influence and provides role models for countless young people) and challenges endemic racism in a way that invites the audience to address the prejudices they might hold.
Our team commands an amazing range of talent: BAFTA‐winning director and animator Tony White; Award‐winning artist and author Geoff Francis; Leading animation professionals (ex-Disney/Pixar/Dreamworks); Voiceover Artists including RSC actor Patrick Robinson (Casualty and Strictly Come Dancing).
Why we are doing it
The Spirit of the Game team all hold a strong personal belief in the need for a respect for all life, whatever shape or form it takes. We believe that racism and prejudice should be eradicated from human thinking.
What it will achieve
Spirit of the Game is particularly targeted to engage young people on issues of racism and a more compassionate way of living. If they can change their thinking, and thereby their actions, hate born of fear will lose its dominance in global society.
“On behalf of our people I want to pay a very, very warm tribute to Stanley Matthews and to say that he would not have known just how incredibly significant what he did was to our self-esteem. It made a contribution to people not becoming anti-white because they were able to say there are white people who care about the plight of black people.” ~ Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Race for Sport is delighted to endorse this ground making project which will make a significant contribution to football and underline the unique legacy of one of football’s legendary figures who really made a huge difference to the lives of those he touched, not only in the UK where he is perhaps best known, but in many parts of Africa where his dream lives on. The ability of this film to reflect the values of Stanley Matthews has the potential to combat all forms of discrimination for present day audiences in many parts of the world where diversity and equality connect." ~ Judge Peter Herbert OBE, Chair of the Society of Black Lawyers
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"The Sir Stanley Matthews Foundation is fully supportive of a high quality and professional venture to produce an animated film outlining the ideals of one of the finest footballers the world has ever seen, Sir Stanley Matthews." ~ Nigel Johnson. Chairman of the Sir Stanley Matthews Foundation
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spirit of the Game is a magical celebration of one of the purest spirits in the beautiful game. Stanley Matthews was a paragon, a nonpareil, a childhood hero and a role model, devilishly skillful, free of ego and materially incorruptible whose good works have lived on. His pioneering kicked racism into touch. An animated film about Stanley Mathews that brings him back to life has all the makings of a feel-good movie that’s going to make a difference to every street, every patch of ground and every favela where football is played. The treatment and the inspiring trailer bode well. ~ Heathcote Williams, poet, playwright, actor, author
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I'm terribly excited that my father will be seen by the world again. He came from a time where the media was not like it is today and so much of what he did and said was not reported. I believe that with what Geoff and Tony are doing it will definitely bring to everyone's attention the true 'spirit of the game' that my father lived every day of his life, albeit largely unseen. It is wonderful that for the centenary of his birth there will be such a wonderful film that honors him!" ~ Jean Gough, Patron of the Stanley Matthews Foundation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"If, like me, racism just never occurred to you as a child, it is with horror and disappointment that you grow up and discover the truth. To learn, then, of those who have made it their mission to wipe out and cut through ignorance, is inspiring and empowering, and to be able to access these stories, with wonderfully crafted books such as Geoff Francis’ ‘Spirit of the Game’, is a joy and a gift. As a friend and ally of Geoff Francis for many, many years, I have always trusted that anything he becomes involved in, and more importantly, creates, will be something that I would be more than happy to endorse, and more than honoured to be part of. From anti-racism to animal rights I know that I can trust Geoff and what he has to say, as whatever are his beliefs, they are mine also. Spirit of the Game wraps itself around so many issues, and all of them are in search of giving the voiceless a voice and expanding our imaginations." ~ Carol Royle, Actor
What we are looking for
• Endorsement of the aims of Spirit of the Game
• Contributions to help fund the animated graphic novel or film
• Sponsorship through corporate product placement
Spirit of the Game Ltd www.spiritofthegamemovie.com
UK contact: Jacky Francis (0044) 7796 904473
Reg in England 05444236
UK contact: Jacky Francis (0044) 7796 904473
Reg in England 05444236