Friends pitch documentary about making Con Air: The Musical to the BBC

Ben Jorgensen, Sam Philly and Tom Culshaw

Rochdale residents Tom Culshaw and Ben Jorgensen have pitched the BBC the idea of a documentary that would show them trying to make Con Air: The Musical come to life.

Tom and Ben decided to pitch their “outrageous idea” to the television company and now it seems that the BBC are considering the idea.

In a pitch sent to the BBC, it reads: “I am writing to you today to make you an offer I hope you simply cannot refuse. What is it I hear you say? Well it’s to fund a behind the scenes documentary on the production of Con Air: The Musical. We propose the documentary is a no holds barred uncensored view of our struggles to develop the musical.”

The idea for Con Air: The Musical stemmed after Tom and Ben began singing in the shower, after a football match.

Tom said: “The idea came to light after a hard fought Saturday football win. Me, Ben, and a handful of other players had just showered, and I began to sing 'Sweet home Alabama' and the rest of the team one by one joined in.

“Glorious tones echoed throughout the changing room, and we all applauded afterwards. Ben then said 'Hey, Tom, we could actually do this as a musical, imagine.' He then proceeded to outline the elaborate plan and the next thing we knew, we'd sent a pitch to the BBC.”

Con Air is a 1997 action film directed by Simon West and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. The film stars Nicholas Cage, John Cusack and John Malkovich and tells the story of newly paroled ex-con and former US Ranger Cameron Poe, who finds himself trapped in a prisoner transport plane when passengers seize control.

When asked by people why this would be a good idea, the only response Tom says he can give is: “Would you watch two local lads from Rochdale attempt to turn Con Air into a Broadway classic, because I know I would.”

Following the pitch being sent to the BBC, Tom has had a reply.

He added: “The BBC has since replied with a recommendation of production teams, as you need to be certified to pitch ideas. I do firmly believe, however, that if we generate enough interest beforehand we can make this dream a reality.”

Tom’s pitch and further details can be found at:

http://onthecommute.com/friends-outrageous-application-to-the-bbc-is-actually-being-considered-lets-make-this-happen/