Felix Dennis documentary for Sky Arts

“This film is a remarkable portrayal of an extraordinary life,” comments James Hunt, Channel Director of Sky Arts. “A complex and unique character, Dennis’s journey from infamous publisher and ex-con to celebrated and acclaimed poet will fascinate and intrigue our viewers.”

As one of the richest men in the UK, Dennis has sold more magazines than almost any man alive and made more than £500m from his company Dennis Publishing. He has been responsible for some of the most well-known and successful titles in the world and having conquered the publishing industry and his own demons of drink and drugs Dennis discovered, late on in life and following an illness, that he had an irresistible artistic and literary calling. This film explores the phenomenon of Dennis’s latest incarnation, as one of Britain’s most successful poets.

His first collection of poetry A Glass Half Full was published to huge critical acclaim in 2002. Since then he has spent an entire decade of his life developing his writing, gone on to produce six volumes of poetry and undertaken several high profile and successful nationwide tours, as well as touring the USA. The RSC has performed his work on both sides of the Atlantic.

This film explores that phenomenon in the context of an extraordinary life story.

Felix Dennis: Millionaire Poet takes a critical look at Dennis’s work in the context of his life and the state of poetry in the UK today. Directed by Andy Robbins and shot with a small crew over several months, the film had unprecedented access to Dennis’ private world.

Dennis’s own personality dominates the film and is relentlessly fascinating, as he expresses himself in a unique and often outspoken way on subjects ranging across poetry, business, wealth, luck, addiction, art and death. Dennis was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2012, during the making of this film.

With contributions from Tom Wolfe, Stephen Fry, Jon Snow, Benjamin Zephaniah and others, the film is funny, entertaining, tragic and, ultimately, life-affirming.

 Jules Fuller, Executive Producer at Initial adds: “Felix is an intriguing, larger than life character and an incredibly talented poet whose work is by turns swaggering, rebellious, insightful and poignant and also genuinely accessible. This film captures Dennis’ distinctive personality and talent and we’ve immensely enjoyed working with him on this project and salute his bravery during his fight against cancer.”

Dennis publishing have been behind magazines such as Maxim, The Week, AutoExpress and in the 1970s teamed up with ATV to release the Crossroads Monthly magazine about the popular soap opera.