FROM IRON BARS TO IRON MAN – JOHN McAVOY FILM

Pitch Publishing is a fantastic imprint.
They do all the great Got, Not Got series
and plenty of other retro sports titles.

James Brown, The Late Tackle, talkSPORT

Pitch Publishing show the way for enterprising
sports book publishers and remains a beacon
of hope for sports authors aspiring or established.

The Sports Bookshelf.com

Pitch Publishing, an outfit whose "pitch perfect"
commissioning of boxing material stands
as a rebuke to more established houses

Boxing Monthly

Pitch capture the real spirit of sport with entertaining
and clever ideas. They work out what the aficionado
would want to read, then deliver it with great verve.

Paul Hayward, The Daily Telegraph

Pitch have enabled me to write in the ways I enjoy most.
Their production support is superb, delivering eye-catching
designs, attentive proof-reading, energetic marketing and helpful advice.

Tim Quelch, Good Old Sussex by the Sea, Orient to the Emirates, Underdog!

Pitch are willing to back out-of-the-blue and innovative
ideas and turn them into viable, entertaining books.
They do so with great presentation and editorial flair.

Justin Parkinson, Then Came Massacre

Pitch saw the potential in my story, used their expertise
to polish it, published it and helped inspire thousands
around the world to get into the sport of triathlon.

Andy Holgate, Can’t Swim, Can’t Ride, Can’t Run & Can't Sleep, Can't Train, Can't Stop

The process of working with Pitch to produce Picking up the Threads
was enjoyable and rewarding, with the final edition surpassing
expectations and becoming a resounding success.

John Chandler, Picking up the Threads

Pitch will take a chance on books that other publishers won't
and realise that interest in football extends beyond the
Premier League and the top 20 countries in the FIFA rankings.

Steve Menary, Outcasts!

Pitch have the vision to look beyond the obvious,
seeking out interesting ideas and subjects and
matching them with the right target audience.

David Tossell, Tony Greig, The Great English Final, Grovel!, Natural

Pitch have been an absolute joy to work with,
contributing their passion, expertise, knowledge
and experience to help produce a brilliant book.

Sam Pilger, Ashes Match of My Life

Pitch took our original concept and further enhanced it,
using their knowledge, experience and expertise, and helped
make Got, Not Got one of the football books of the year for 2011.

Derek Hammond, Got, Not Got series of books

Pitch bought into the concept of development through football,
channeling profits and proceeds from Eleven into helping
some of the most disadvantaged young people in the world.

Steve Fleming, Eleven

In the highly competitive world of sport publishing,
Pitch have consistently demonstrated the happy
knack of spotting, nurturing and promoting winners.

Neil Dunkin, Anfield of Dreams

13 Jan

FROM IRON BARS TO IRON MAN – JOHN McAVOY FILM

First the best-selling book, Redemption. Now Just So release from 2 life sentences to 3 world records, a vertical documentary to inspire alienated youth.

Just So wanted to take it back to John’s routes, the streets of London. A 10-second edit has already been shown on digital billboards and bus stops all over the capital.

You just have to click here to check out John in action at johnmcavoyfilm.com. Or click here to read a sample chapter from the book.

John McAvoy was given two life sentences for armed robbery and aged 22 was the youngest ever prisoner to be housed in the high security unit in Belmarsh (where fellow inmates were Abu Hamza and the London Bombers). While inside, with no formal training and on a prison diet, he broke 3 indoor rowing world records including the longest ever continuous row (45 hours!). Upon release he is becoming a professional Ironman athlete and runs outreach programmes, providing living proof to alienated youth that it is always possible to take another path.

“John is the most focussed man I have ever met. His herculean achievements in endurance sport are matched only by not ending up back in prison - 69% of under 18’s reoffend within 12 months of leaving custody - and if anyone has a chance of showing them there is another way, it’s John. We have loved getting to know him and plan to help him amplify his message in every way we can.” Richard Ascott, Just So

SHORT FORM DOCUMENTARY GOES VERTICAL

The film was directed by Jonny & Jono and produced by Just So as part of their Postcards series. The beautifully cut, abstract short celebrates a vertical format.

"Like John, we really wanted this film to connect with young people so we made it in a format that matched their viewing habits. These guys watch most content on their phone rather than desktop or TV and vertical video is king of engagement on the phone. Creatively, the vertical format perfectly reflects the claustrophobia of the prison cell so we were really excited by the challenge. " Jono Stevens, Director

A UNIQUE AND GENUINE CALL TO ACTION

John’s primary goal is to become a genuine role model for the right reasons and in response to his wish to be accessible, Just So took the unusual step to end the film with his personal email address and a call to get in touch. John will reply to every message he gets.

“The audience for this film are mobile and hang out together outdoors rather than in coffee shops staring at laptops. Everyone needs inspiration and our media partners recognised that a break from the advertising cycle for such an incredible story is a worthy goal.” Neil Cunningham, Cream

“If I could share one piece of advice with the world it would be that life is not about cars and watches and money. That’s the life you are sold by the media but it’s a mirage. I want to inspire others, especially kids, to stop them looking up to the fake role models they admire. I can tell them – I have seen it.” John McAvoy