Irwin Mitchell Negotiated Deal For The British Divers Who Helped Inspire The Movie

The makers of a new film in which Irwin Mitchell’s Media & Entertainment team advised on have announced they have secured $55m in funding from MGM.

The film, Thirteen Lives, highlights the heroic efforts of a team of British divers who completed the high profile and dramatic rescue of 12 boys from a cave in Thailand.

UK divers, Jason Mallinson, John Volanthen, Richard Stanton, Chris Jewell, Josh Bratchley and Connor Roe, answered a rescue call from the Thai authorities to join a major search operation after a group of boys and their football coach disappeared in the Tham Luang Nang Non caves in June 2018.

The rescue captured the world’s attention at the time for more than two weeks, and culminated in the divers successfully finding the boys alive and subsequently rescuing all 13 of The Wild Boar Football Team. The UK divers being entrusted with personally escorting each boy back to safety.

Aurelia Butler-Ball, a senior associate who specialises in media and entertainment law at national law firm Irwin Mitchell, was initially contacted by Jason Mallinson and then instructed by Jason and the other UK divers to advise and negotiate a deal to turn their stories into a film. 

It has recently been announced that Ron Howard will direct the dramatised film and MGM will fund it, making a $55 million production commitment. 

William Nicholson, the Oscar-nominated writer of 'Gladiator,' has written the screenplay.

Aurelia Butler-Ball, who specialises in advising both individuals and businesses working in music, film, TV and digital media, said: 

Expert Opinion

“This is great news during a difficult and challenging time for the film industry. To have MGM’s backing alongside a great script and a high profile director will I’m sure make the film a huge success.” Aurelia Butler-Ball - Partner

For further information on Irwin Mitchell’s Media & Entertainment team, please click here.