The fight for the movie rights to the Wild Boar youth soccer team’s dramatic rescue story is now down to two major production companies.
Lt. Gen. Weerachon Sukhontapatipak, spokesman for the government’s Creative Media Committee (CMC) tasked with overseeing projects pertaining to the Boars, told reporters that they’ve narrowed offers from more than 20 production houses down to just two, though they’re not yet at liberty to name those companies.
Meanwhile, the 12 boys’ parents — who own the rights to their children’s story — have registered a company called Thirteen Tham Luang Co Ltd., through which “every deal” will now be handled, Australia’s ABC News has reported. The team’s coach, Ekkapol Chantawong, will serve as its director.
Weerachon told reporters at the press conference that the company was created at the government’s suggestion as they cannot directly negotiate with private companies, according to the Thai law.
ABC News, meanwhile, cited two sources in saying that the government, which is acting as a consultant via the CMC, will get a slice of any film deal once it’s been finalized.
While a final decision on which foreign company is going to nab the rights to the “official” version of the boys’ tale remains up in the air, one Thai production outfit has already shot it’s version of the dramatic tale.
Thai-born director Tom Waller’s take on the 19-day drama that unfolded in a flooded Chiang Rai cave last year is eyeing a July release date to coincide with the anniversary of the football team’s rescue.
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