From Bond to Bank of Dave - Hollywood star to play Burnley businessman in new Netflix film

Provisionally titled Bank Of Dave, a biopic about the life of van and minibus salesman Dave Fishwick, will commence filming in Burnley at the end of this month.

Streaming site, Netflix, has acquired the rights to the film, with financing and distribution arm of talent agency WME International handling worldwide sales.

Projected to be the next feel-good British movie of the decade, Bank Of Dave will feature other stars including Joel Fry and Phoebe Dynevor, daughter of Coronation Street legend Sally Dynevor.

Written by Piers Ashworth and directed by Chris Foggin, the film is based on the real-life experiences of Mr Fishwick, a working-class Burnley man and self-made millionaire, who fought against all the odds to set up a community bank so he could help the local businesses of Burnley thrive.

2012 Channel 4 documentary Bank Of Dave chronicled how Mr Fishwick, and his right hand man David Henshaw, took on the elitist financial institutions of London and fight to receive the first, new banking licence to be issued in Britain in more than 100 years.

Burnley Savings & Loans Ltd still operates in Keirby Walk in his beloved Burnley.

The story of the down-to-earth businessman sticking up for ordinary people struck a chord with television viewers.

Mr Fishwick said: “To have a global movie filmed here in Burnley about such an important part of my life, is truly amazing.

"David Henshaw and myself were overwhelmed when we were approached with the idea of making the film.

"This couldn't have been done without David and the team at the Bank Of Dave and we are incredibly excited.”

The filming will take place in Burnley, Colne, the Ribble Valley and Leeds.

Mr Fishwick added: "I was approached about 18 months ago by Piers Ashworth about making a film of my life and have had to keep it secret for all this time.

"We'll be filming inside and outside the Bank Of Dave, at my house, and in an around Burnley. There's never been a Hollywood movie filmed in Burnley before.

"I think my life will change, as it's not just going to be shown in Britain, but all around the world.

"The boss at Netflix, she loves what I am doing and loves my passion for Burnley - this film is about the people of Burnley and all the great things that we have here."

Joel Fry (Yesterday and Game of Thrones), plays young London lawyer Hugh who is hired by Dave to fight his case against the British banking system.

And star of Netflix hit Bridgerton, Phoebe Dynevor, plays feisty local doctor Alexandra, with the character of Dave played by Olivier award winner and BAFTA nominee Rory Kinnear (James Bond, Penny Dreadful and The Imitation Game).

And Netflix viewers might just get a glimpse of Dave himself as he's expected to appear in the film in a cameo role.

He's thrilled at the prospect of putting his town's name on the global stage.

Mr Fishwick said: "It's bonkers but exciting, and it will be great for the area.

"We've had a terrible two years and it's going to be great to have a feel good film released – it's bigger than anything I've ever done."

Burnley Savings & Loans Ltd, which was launched ten years ago, has now lent more than £27million to thousands of people and businesses across the UK, and helped savers get the best interest rates, with all profits going to charity.

The Bank Of Dave script has been written by British writer, Piers Ashworth, who wrote the first draft script of Mission Impossible, and the movie is being directed by award winning up and coming director, Chris Foggin (Fisherman’s Friends).

Chris said: "I was immediately drawn to this story about the triumph of community, and I’m delighted to be working with such a wonderful cast.

"I truly believe the world needs films like this."

The Bank Of Dave is produced by Piers Tempest of Tempo Productions along with Matt Williams and Karl Hall of Future Artists Entertainment.

Piers Tempest added: "This is such a great story and I’m delighted to be working with Chris and the team on the film, which I am sure will really resonate with audiences worldwide."

Ingenious Media are funding, in association with Automatik and SpitfireAudio. Peter Touche, Hannah Perks, Jo Bamford, David Fishwick, Katie Lander and Michael Reuter are executive producers.

Bank Of Dave is expected to be released later in the year.