The Dennis Viollet Story
The Dennis Viollet Story
The Dennis Viollet Story
The Dennis Viollet Story
The Dennis Viollet Story
Portrait of a Soccer Hero
Portrait of a Soccer Hero
Portrait of a Soccer Hero
Portrait of a Soccer Hero
This campaign is closed
The Dennis Viollet Story
Portrait of a Soccer Hero
Portrait of a Soccer Hero
Portrait of a Soccer Hero
Portrait of a Soccer Hero
Portrait of a Soccer Hero
The Dennis Viollet story is for anyone who believes the impossible IS possible. A pioneer in the soccer world, this inspiring documentary will showcase Dennis' career, and pay homage to a man whose vision helped bring soccer to the forefront of the sporting world.
A young boy growing up in a working-class neighborhood of post-war England signs for Manchester United at the age of fifteen. Ten years later, he becomes one of the greatest players in the club's history, only to see United through its darkest hour, the Munich air crash, where tragically many of Dennis's teammates lost their lives. After recovering from serious injuries suffered in Munich, Dennis went on to set United's single season goal scoring record, and became Captain of the Club. It was also during this period that Dennis helped launch a campaign to abolish English soccers maximum wage, which saw players earning as little as thirty pounds a week, or the equivalent of forty-five dollars! This helped paved the way for soccer to become a full-time profession for players around the world.
At the age of twenty-eight, Dennis was transferred to Stoke City FC. Playing alongside the great Sir Stanley Matthews, Dennis was named Captain of Stoke, as he helped the club gain promotion back into the English First Division. Dennis made such an impact during his five years with Stoke, that when he decided to retire from the professional game, Stoke City honored him with a testimonial match played against England's 1966 World Cup Winning side.
After a stellar playing career in England, Dennis had a vision that someday soccer could take-off in America. He would spend the last thirty years of his life cultivating the game in the United States. From the grass-roots level, to the professional ranks, Dennis forged a path for many youngsters who dreamed of playing the professional game in America.
The Dennis Viollet Story is about a man who became a trailblazer, helping the game he loved to reach new levels of prestige and popularity while touching the lives of so many along the way.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Rachel Viollet/Producer/Writer
Hello Everyone! I'm a film producer living in Los Angeles. My passion is telling inspirational human interest stories, and doing it in the highest quality possible.Telling my father's story has been a life long dream, and the perfect way to honor his legacy. Since moving to LA, I have formed relationships with some remarkable filmmakers who want to help make this documentary a reality. Here are their bios:
Kim Waltrip/Producer is Vice Chair of "Kim and Jim Productions" one of the film industry's finest independent production company's. Kim's latest film "Hit And Run" was released nationwide in cinemas August 24th with stars Bradley Cooper, Kirsten Bell, and Dax Shappard. Kim has recently become Executive Producer of the feature film "The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby" starring James McAvoy. Kim loves the Dennis Viollet story, and will use her extensive resources to help get this film distributed world-wide!
For more info check out www.kimandjimproductions.com
Greg Wonder/DP/Editor - Greg Wonder graduated magna cum laude from the New England School of Communications with a degree in video production. After relocating to Los Angeles he has thrived as a director and editor for numerous fashion and commercial companies, including projects for John Frieda and Guess Jeans. Greg has a natural instinct for creative storytelling and has written and directed many short films, and sketches as well as a web series and TV pilot.
Chris Rish/DP - A filmmaker, professor, and media consultant, Chris' work has been showcased on several networks including; PBS, ABC, ESPN, Speed NHK Japan, Animal Planet, and the Oprah Winfrey Network. Chris holds a Masters Degree in Media Studies and Journalism from the University of South Florida. Also a former soccer player, Chris spent several years under the guidance of Dennis Viollet.
SUPPORT THIS CAMPAIGN!
WHAT THE INDIEGOGO FUNDS WILL BE USED FOR: In short, everything! From travel expenses, to acquiring archival footage, and licensing music, your contribution will cover every aspect of the filmmaking process. Creating a documentary is a long, but rewarding journey, and consists of three stages: pre-production, production, and post-production. We are currently in pre-production, and with your contribution this film can move forward and be completed.
Every little bit helps. Even if you can't make a contribution, please spread the word by passing along this page to your friends and family.
THANK YOU, Rachel Viollet