Made in Manchester to produce ‘Hand of God’ drama
RADIO production company Made in Manchester has been commissioned by BBC Radio 5Live to make a 30-minute drama to mark the 25th anniversary of the 1986 Maradona ‘Hand of God’ moment.
Creative director Ashley Byrne described the commission as a “huge breakthrough” for the firm which is seeking to introduce radio drama to fresh audiences.
He said: “We want to reach people who might never have listened to radio drama in their lives before. BBC 5Live is the perfect place for a football drama and we are looking forward to working with the network on developing this ambitious project.”
The programme will mark the moment during the 1986 World Cup Finals when Argentine striker Diego Maradona scored with an illegal, but unpenalised, handball.
Made in Manchester said 5Live had announced an extension of its so-called ‘kicker’ fund for independent radio production companies based in the North.
Mr Byrne added: “This is a huge boost to the radio production sector ahead of the opening of MediaCity next year. It shows how seriously 5Live takes independent production and this kind of support is crucial to building confidence overall in the sustainability of the radio production industry in the North.”
Other programmes commissioned under the scheme include a documentary following the lives of lottery winners by Manchester-based All Out Productions’ Jo Meek; Total Blackout, a documentary looking at the lack of black football managers in the British game by Manchester’s Input Media North; a sports comedy programme parodying the traditional post-match TV coverage, written by James Quinn and produced by Oldham-based Savvy Productions; and a pitch by St Helens-based Woolyback Productions with music journalist and commentator John Robb.
