Liverpool Film Company to Honour Dixie

8th April 2008

A Liverpool film production company is to immortalise one of Merseyside's most famous sons, the legendary footballer William Ralph 'Dixie' Dean.

Tabacula Limited, based at Toxteth TV, is planning a feature length drama documentary about the renowned Everton and England player.  The production will contain interviews with family members, footballers past and present and friends, together with dramatic re-enactments of key moments in his life.

Everton Chairman, Bill Kenwright has agreed to join the team as an executive producer and has contributed a sizeable sum to the project.

Tabacula has produced a number of films, adverts and documentaries and has worked with the Capital of Culture, Liverpool, Knowsley and Sefton Councils and The Green Party.

The company has also raised a separate funding package totaling £30k which includes a loan from Merseyside Special Investment Fund's Small Firms Fund and support from Barclays which is being used to invest in new equipment and support its future expansion plans.

Tabacula is run by directors Jah Jussa, Ian and Kevin Lysaght and Paul Nuttie. The four collaborated on a number of projects before deciding to form the company in 2006.

Mr Jussa said: "Our clients started to request that we film in high definition which we were unable to do with our old kit. The funding from MSIF has enabled us to invest in new state-of-the-art equipment to meet the needs of our existing customers and help us win new business.

“There’s lots of interesting work in the pipeline but we are particularly excited about the Dixie Dean project.  He is one of England's forgotten sporting heroes and is rarely recognised outside of Liverpool – hopefully our film will help get the acknowledgement he deserves.

"We are thrilled that Bill Kenwright has come on board and are now looking for other private investors.  A limited liability partnership has been set up to allow investors to become part of the team and benefit from returns.  With the prospect of a cinema release and TV broadcast we're able to predict a very healthy return for our backers.”

Chris Walters, investment manager of MSIF's Small Firms Fund said: "We are really pleased to be supporting Tabacula.  The company is run by a talented and dynamic team who are really passionate about their business. They are a great example of Merseyside's thriving creative sector."

Turnover this year is expected to reach £100k and it is thought this figure will rise to £400k in three years time.  The company expects to take on three new staff during the next two years.

For more information on investing in the Dixie documentary contact mail@tabacula.com or telephone 0151 709 8521.

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Photo shows L-R Kevin Lysaght (Tabacula) Chris Walters (MSIF) Ian Lysaght and Jah Jussa (Tabacula)

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