Liverpool producers seeks funds for Catweazle adaptation

A LIVERPOOL-based independent production company is seeking finance for a film based on the 1970s book and television series Catweazle.

Ettinger Brothers and London-based producer Gatetarn Productions are using an enterprise investment scheme (EIS) to raise a third of the project’s £6m budget.

Enterprise investment scheme’s are designed to attract investment by offering investors tax reliefs.

The two companies have also teamed up with international sales firm Intandem Films. The screenplay is written by Richard Carpenter, who created the original series, and the film will be directed by Bafta award-winning John Henderson.

Executive producer Philip Ettinger said: “Catweazle was a huge success in the 1970s and we’re confident that this film will appeal to a wide audience from children to their parents, as well as fans of the original series.

“This is a really exciting investment opportunity, with some extremely attractive benefits. The advantage of films is that the money made from a film that doesn’t stop with box office sales, with merchandising and other franchising opportunities also providing excellent revenue streams.”

Catweazle tells the story of a dishevelled 11th century wizard who travels through time to the present day. Shooting is due to start later in the year.