Now, Man U's Ferdinand makes movie business debut
London | October 18, 2009 11:39:32 AM IST
 

Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand has made his debut in the movie business as an executive producer of the Brit gangster flick "Dead Man Running".

Filmmaking is just the latest plank of the Ferdinand portfolio. His interests are diverse, from publisher of a magazine to a property company, an upscale Italian restaurant in Manchester to a mothballed music label."The film is an off-shoot, something away from football and something separate to my career. One of the main points was that it could not interrupt or interfere with my football. It's a different experience for me," The News of The World quoted Ferdinand, as saying.Ferdinand insists he has never lost his focus.

"Making a movie is not a profession for me and I'm not trying to get away from football. I'm not thinking 'This is what I'm going to do after my career has ended'. I've got two kids now; they keep me occupied. I'm a different person now, more mature and responsible," he added.His profile went through the roof when he interviewed prime minister Gordon Brown as guest editor of the men's magazine GQ. Usain Bolt, 50 Cent and Mickey Rourke were next in the queue, given a grilling by Ferdinand in his lifestyle magazine, #5.

"The first issues were about contacts, getting in touch with people I knew to help me launch the project," he added.

"I was fortunate enough to know 50 Cent. He agreed to do an interview and things went from there.

"I'd seen Mickey Rourke at a function and asked him if he would do the same. They were great about it."

Whether Sir Alex Ferguson and Capello are as comfortable with Ferdinand's lifestyle is another matter.

Both rule the roost with United and England respectively, with Ferguson focused on winning the Premier League and Capello the World Cup.

"I know where my priorities lie," added Ferdinand. "I'm as committed as ever. The fight is still there and the hunger is still in my game.

His unexpected entry into the world of film is his latest project, co-financing Dead Man Running with his England teammate Ashley Cole.

The pair has poured their money into this punchy British movie, convincing American rapper 50 Cent to make an appearance."I don't know whether I have a future in film-making but it was a great experience to be involved with it.

In his role as executive producer, Ferdinand selected the soundtrack, as well co-ordinating appearances from children involved with his Live the Dream Foundation.

The Foundation, which Ferdinand has set up to provide under-privileged kids with another start in life, is the unseen side of Rio.

"I told the people involved with the film that if I could do the soundtrack and if I could get my kids involved from the Foundation then I would do it," he added.

"I'm fortunate that I was blessed with a certain talent to play football at a high level. It's taken me to places I never imagined going to as a kid and I've come to respect that. If I can put my experiences to good use I will. I don't want to do a disservice to myself. I want to make a difference," added Ferdinand. (ANI)

 

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