The British independent production of costume mutiny films for "Boot Room" won the story of former football player John Budden's firm toxic masculinity and bullying in English football in the 1980s.

This story comes from Budden's 2023 series "Our Goals," exploring the dark corners of the sports locker room.

Helmer Atul Malhotra discovered the material through an article in the Sunday Times and therefore attached guidance to guide the project.

"I read an article about John's story in The Sunday Times and immediately became interested in the subject," Malhotra said. "The 'training room' is fun, horror, riveted and real, and once I read it, I knew it would make an extremely powerful film. It not only explores bullying in sports, but it can also flourish in British football in the 1980s."

"John was there on the scene and in the locker room, so while it was a fictional account, it was deeply rooted in real life. It frankly shows how the sport at the time encouraged the best and worst sports for the players. We can't wait to bring it to the screen," Malhotra added.

Malhotra's debut "Amar, Akbar and Tony" was acquired by Netflix after a successful British drama competition, and he brought substantial independent qualifications to the project.

Producer Richard Hague served as creative director for the Banijay Group in Endemol, England, and Malhotra is now a partner with Mutiny Films.

"'Boot' immediately resonated with its tolerant portrayal of local issues in football in the 1980s," Hager said. "It's not just a period's work; its powerful drama resonates with today's global relevance. We're eager to work with John Buden to bring this important story to the screen."

Buden's football lineage provides authenticity to the material. The author began his career in the 1980s, working as an apprentice and professional at football club Crystal Palace and future England manager Gareth Southgate, before playing for Scottish Prime Minister St. Johnstone FC in the 1990s. After his career in sports, Budden dabbled in education, became a respected principal, and then published his first novel, Everything happened in August, in 2010.

“I know from my first meeting with Mutiny movies that they absolutely understand the message I’m trying to convey with ‘Boot Room’ and they’re as committed to it as I’ve converted it to screens as realistically as I can.” “The toxic masculinity and bullying poses a huge problem for men, women and our broader society. I hope the film has a deep insight into the issue and gets something from the people there.”

The financial terms of the transaction are not disclosed.

Mutiny Films is a UK-based film and television production company that produces feature films, original dramas, documentaries, entertainment and branded content. The company's team has experience in Discovery, National Geographic, BBC, Channel 4, Comedy Center, MTV, Sky and a variety of global brands.