Will there ever be a British version of Band of Brothers?

I got to thinking while watching The Paficic with the missus, will anyone ever step up and making a version of BoB or The Pacific based on the English endevours during the war?

can well imagine this has crossed other people's minds as well, plenty of actions they could cover, I can imagine plenty of people on this forum could think of lots of memoires and the likes that could be turned into a 10 part series.

just a random thought

 

Agreed you need a Hollywood Anglophile who really wants to make something like this, that's the only way i could imagine it happening.

 

If ever I win the Euro lottery roll over there might be - But it won't be in the desert

The next big war film about the British Army should be War Horse by Speilberg. I heard the other day it will be released next year.

 

I for one would love to see various versions of "Band of Brothers". English, russian, even from the german point of view. Would give the viewers a more wide perspective of the war.

 

Good point - Clint Eastwood did it rather well I thought with Flags of our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima.

 

I've mentioned my longing for 'Band of Tommies in the Desert' a few times here...
Seems an unlikely thing though. Expensive and possibly with a limited world market.

Must be scope for a high rent war film or two though, we live in hope.


I dunno I think it's possible. Starting with the BEF in France and Belgium, Dunkirk, then North Africa, Italy, and ending up in Greece.

It could have a potential global market as long as it included a more balanced representation of the nations involved. Potentially it could have an appeal in the UK, Australia, Canada, even the US, India, Italy, France and Germany.

A co-production between the national broadcasters of Britain, Australia and Canada is feasible, especially if it focused on several individuals joining the war from various Commonwealth countries.

Lee

 

I think its only a matter of time guys. The Desert war would possibly be the perfect setting for it as numerous commonwealth troops were involved and possibly continuing on into Italy.

 

I dunno I think it's possible. Starting with the BEF in France and Belgium, Dunkirk, then North Africa, Italy, and ending up in Greece.

It could have a potential global market as long as it included a more balanced representation of the nations involved. Potentially it could have an appeal in the UK, Australia, Canada, even the US, India, Italy, France and Germany.

A co-production between the national broadcasters of Britain, Australia and Canada is feasible, especially if it focused on several individuals joining the war from various Commonwealth counties.

Lee


Gee, when I watched BOB, they all spoke English... :innocent:


But, on that note, is there a British unit that fought at Dunkirk,
Africa, Italy, France and Germany ?

That would be the place to start.

Part of the attraction of the 101st was that they were very busy
hopping from place to place.

 

We can but hope and pray then, as for winning the € lottery as long as it's over $150mm then you will be okay that's how much the pacific cost!

 

I've edited the thread title from
Will there ever be an English version of Band of Brothers?

to

Will there ever be an British version of Band of Brothers?

A minor point I know but....Jock, Taff & Paddy were there too

sorry that's my awful schooling! my grandfather in the picture was from Dublin, i should never forget that.

 

I know which unit I'd like to see a mini-series about!
They fought in N. Africa, Sicily, Italy, Holland and eventually oversaw the German surrender in Denmark! That's enough to be getting along with I should think .............

 

Wasn't it Norway paul??


Ron..

 

As most finance for films comes from the states , for a mainly American Market , it wont happen for the big screen , a mini TV series might get backing but would have to have an Americans as the centrl characters perhaps as a Ranger at Dieppe or pilot of Eagle Squadron , or masquerading as a Canadian [as many did in real life] Its all about big returns on the outlay $$$$$ , and in todays financial climate it aint likely to happen soon.

My choice for a film would be about the ferry pilots bringing aircraft to Britain from the States . all the intrigue [It was against US law to work for a foreign power] ,exciting flying scenes in all weathers , Joy , tragedy etc. ' The Real 'Band of Brothers'.

 

It was both mate. Denmark popped into my head because I'm currently reading "From to Delhi to Arnhem" and the survivors of 156th Battalion went to Denmark after they were merged with the remnants of 1st Battalion.
Also I know another forum member who, as we speak, is writing a book about said unit that follows them from N. Africa to Holland so we even have a screenplay already!!

 

As most finance for films comes from the states , for a mainly American Market , it wont happen for the big screen , a mini TV series might get backing but would have to have an Americans as the centrl characters perhaps as a Ranger at Dieppe or pilot of Eagle Squadron , or masquerading as a Canadian [as many did in real life] Its all about big returns on the outlay $$$$$ , and in todays financial climate it aint likely to happen soon.

My choice for a film would be about the ferry pilots bringing aircraft to Britain from the States . all the intrigue [It was against US law to work for a foreign power] ,exciting flying scenes in all weathers , Joy , tragedy etc. ' The Real 'Band of Brothers'.

True the bulk of the money comes from the US but look at a series like ROME. Cost over $100 million. $85 million from HBO, $15 million from the BBC. But all the main leads were British actors.

The BBC and HBO could collaborate on a more Commonwealth-focused BoB, especially if other broadcasters in Australia and Canada, even India, were also on board.

An awful lot of the profit in these big productions comes from the international market and there's no reason why a Commonwealth-focused BoB could not generate equally good global sales.

Lee

 

sorry that's my awful schooling! my grandfather in the picture was from Dublin, i should never forget that.
Thats right!! Never forget he was a "Jack" or "Jackeen", as the country people call us Dubliners!

 

I am now hoping your proposals reach a producer's desk post-haste Lee.
A new career as a screenwriter and movie-maker awaits?..

There's the rub VP, someone actually has to write the screenplay first before it would have a hope of being commissioned.

OK I'll make a start:

"THE ALLIES"
(Working title)

Act 1, Scene 1,.....


You guys can fill in the rest :biggrin: