Mr Nice
Production
Producers: Independent and Kanzaman
Type: Feature
Genre: Biopic
Synopsis: The life of former drug trafficker
Howard Marks, adapted from his best-selling autobiography and
starring Rhys Ifans, David Thewlis and Chloë Sevigny.
Investment
Amount: 6% of budget
Partners: Independent, Prescience and Lip Sync
Productions LLP
Executives: Bethan Bannister, Bethan
Cousins
Why we invested
The film presented an opportunity for the Wales Creative IP Fund
to invest in the autobiography of a colourful Welsh character and
author. With Welsh actor Rhys Ifans in the lead role and a strong
international supporting cast, the project was commercially
appealing.
Independent secured pre-sales to the UK and Canada; indicating
foreign interest. UK sales are managed by E1 Entertainment UK.
Investment outcome
The production company, Independent, spent a month filming in
Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, resulting in a direct economic
benefit to the region of around £600,000.
Testimonials
"We had a great experience shooting Mr Nice in Wales. We were
able to use Wales for a wide range of locations and periods and we
were ably supported by an excellent crew." Luc Roeg, producer, Mr
Nice.
"Through the investment, the Wales Creative IP Fund will be able
to benefit from any box office and other associated future sales.
This allows the Fund to invest in more film, television, new media
and music projects in the future for the benefit of this important
sector and the Welsh economy." Bethan Bannister, investment
executive, Wales Creative IP Fund.