A Netflix movie that was inspired by the life of a Burnley businessman has been nominated for a whopping seven awards at the National Film Awards.
Bank of Dave, which was filmed in Burnley and other parts of East Lancashire, is up against some multi-million pound Hollywood movies at the National Film Awards.
As well as best independent film and best feature film, some of the film’s actors and crew are also in the running for awards.
Bank of Dave, released on the streaming site earlier this year, got its premiere in Burnley and loosely documents the life of businessman Dave Fishwick, who began his illustrious career selling mini buses in his home town.
Dave said it is wonderful to be recognised and wants to thank every person involved in the film’s production.
He said: “It is just wonderful and the team who put this together deserve all of the applause. To have seven nominations for a movie is just unheard of.
“When this whole process started I never would have dreamed the movie would be against all of these huge films.
“The most exciting nomination for me is best feature film. It is a huge deal as we are up against multi-million dollar blockbuster movies, such as The Menu and The Hitmen.”
Rory Kinnear, who portrayed Dave in the movie, has been nominated for best actor and Phoebe Dynevor, who plays Alexandra, is up for best supporting actress.
Dave said: “Rory Kinnear looks more like me than I do. The first time I met him at my house he said ‘Dave, meet Dave’.
“He was just so professional and he really studied me. He spent time with me, read books and watched all of the live televisions I have been involved in.
“Phoebe is one of Netflix’s biggest stars, after appearing in Bridgerton.
“I remember being on set with her while filming my cameo in the movie. She was so professional and gave me some advice.
“We also spoke a lot in the green room and met her many times at my house. She was just so lovely.”
Paul Kaye, who plays Rick Purdey, is nominated for best supporting actor, Chris Foggin is nominated for best director and Karl Hall, Neil Jones, Piers Tempest and Matt Williams are in the running for a joint best producer award.
Bank of Dave is set to be shown in cinemas across the world, including Ukraine, and Dave cannot wait to put Lancashire in the spotlight.
He said: “It is strange to think that big cinemas across the world will be watching us and I will be on some big talk shows, talking about Burnley and other parts of Lancashire where it was all filmed.
“It puts us on a global stage for the right reasons. We live in such a wonderful area and I wouldn’t live anywhere else in the world.
“It is where I am from and I am proud of it. To be able to go around the world and talk about the things that happen here is a real honour.
“What a wonderful thing to be able to do in a lifetime.”
Following the movie’s success, ranking in the Netflix top 10 for 22 days in the United Kingdom and 19 days in Ireland, Netflix has now confirmed it will be making a sequel.
Dave said: “To have one biopic in a lifetime is wonderful and bonkers – but to have two is incredible.
“I would like to give a special mention to David Henshaw, my right hand man at Burnley Savings and Loans.
“Without him and other staff there none of this would have ever happened.”
The winners of the National Film Awards will be announced in July.
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