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from www.dailymail.co.uk – You wait decades for a definitive film about the seediest, most decadent enclave in London and then two come along at once.
But as director Michael Winterbottom puts the final touches to The King Of Soho — about the life and loves of porn baron Paul Raymond and starring Steve Coogan — there has been a dramatic hitch.
For Raymond’s son, Howard, 52, has taken exception to the project, not least because he is making his own movie on the subject — and what’s more it is also called The King Of Soho.
Winterbottom’s flick, expected next year, features a clutch of household names including Matt Lucas, David Walliams, Anna Friel and Imogen Poots.
Meanwhile Howard, worth £78 million according to the latest Rich List, has signed a deal with rival production company Wolf Studio Ltd to make a film based on his own book.
Now, in a move as subtle as a Raymond Revuebar dancer’s wiggle, Howard has consulted lawyers and trademarked the film’s title.
His solicitor Veronica Hartley explains: ‘The name “King of Soho” is an intellectual property and I have registered it as belonging to Mr Raymond’s Provincial and Metropolitan Property Company.’
Says Howard: ‘I had lunch with Michael Winterbottom about three years ago to discuss their film and I decided it wasn’t right for me. I had 13 different offers from film companies around the world who wanted to make a movie about my father’s life.
‘I felt Wolf Studio presented the best case. It’s about the private persona of our family life, as opposed to the public persona. That’s why I went with them.’
The move, however, has astonished Revolution Films, which is making the Coogan movie.
Says co-producer Josh Hyams: ‘It’s the first I have heard about this. We knew Howard was making a film but didn’t realise it was going to use the same title as ours. We had very good relations with him and I hoped it would remain that way.
‘We could easily have done a hatchet job on his father but we haven’t done that at all. On the contrary, we have treated him respectfully and with warmth.’