Tom Sands Says He Received ‘Disturbing’ Video Threat About Bitcoin Satirical Comedy

Director Tom Sands claimed he received a “disturbing” video threat demanding he pull his satirical comedy about Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto.

The 34-year-old film producer alleged that his film company received a sinister video threat from hackers who tried to stop the film’s production and even threatened his wife.

The fictional satirical comedy film Decrypted features the kidnapping and torture of Bitcoin inventor Satoshi Nakamoto by US government agents who want to destroy cryptocurrencies.

Satoshi Nakamoto is the pseudonym used by the creator or creators of Bitcoin, but his real identity is not publicly known. American actor Akie Kotabe plays the pseudonymous alleged creator of Bitcoin in Decrypted.

Director Tom said he was sent a deeply “disturbing” video message urging him to “bury” the film in early February, shortly before the comedy opened in the United States.

The video shows a masked individual speaking using voice-changing technology to disguise his voice while demanding that the film be removed.

They say, ‘You’ve crossed a thick red line with your so-called comedy about Satoshi Nakamoto. Don’t throw your life away. Get the film out now.

It wasn’t the first time Tom had received threats about the film, as he and lead actor Akie Kotabe, who plays Satoshi, received threatening messages last November when the film was released in the UK.

Speaking about the alleged video threat, Tom said he found it deeply disturbing because they threatened his wife and revealed they knew where she lived.

He said: “I will say that the last video threat upset me because they knew personal details about me and they threatened my wife.”

After discussing the sinister threats with his team, Tom said they decided to go ahead regardless, saying that he is a “minority” of people in the crypto community who have not supported the comedy.

The independent filmmaker claimed that the group threatened to shut down production on Decrypted unless they told the story in a “very specific way.”

Tom said: “Most of the people we’ve talked to in the crypto community have been supportive and really understand what we’re trying to do here, but there’s a minority that have a problem with it for some reason.”

“Receiving the threat from the video was definitely quite unsettling for everyone involved in the making of the film and me in particular.

“That being said, we obviously discussed it, but we decided that we would continue regardless. We are independent filmmakers and we were always going to tell the story we wanted to tell.

“This group threatened to shut down the production unless we told the story in a very specific way, which is completely outrageous, especially since we were trying to make a movie that supports this community.”

Substantial Films originally received a series of threatening and disturbing messages on social media and through the company’s website during the making of the film.

American actor Akie said he was deeply concerned after receiving Instagram messages shortly after it was announced that he had been cast as Bitcoin creator Satoshi.

He said: ‘I was surprised by the messages, and it made me realize how strong opinions are out there regarding cryptocurrencies.

“It was clearly a very troubling situation, but we discussed it among ourselves and decided to make the movie the way we wanted.”

One of the messages to Akie supposedly read: “You better hope I like this damn movie.” It’s illegal for me to tell you what I’m going to do to you, but I think you understand exactly what I mean.

Another message sent via the Substantial Films website read: ‘You do not have permission to create or use the likeness of Satoshi Nakamoto.

“We can remain silent, but we are by no means out of the picture and we will do whatever it takes to protect our brand.”

The film, which was released on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play, has been well received by the crypto community.

Decrypted tells the story of the failed kidnapping and interrogation of Satoshi Nakamoto, the inventor of blockchain and Bitcoin, by a team of NSA (National Security Agency) agents operating from a safe house in Kensington, West London. .

In the film, agents are desperate to crack the blockchain’s cryptographic codes and sabotage the rise of Bitcoin.

The planned operation hilariously falls apart when the NSA agents, the MI5 agents watching them, and a local resident are given a truth drug that leads to deep and hilarious discussions about race, gender, and sexuality.

Sparks fly when respective prejudices collide and lead to an unexpected ending.

Decrypted is the fifth film from father-son team Mick Sands and Tom Sands, and producer Phil Harris. His previous work includes Rupert, Rupert & Rupert, nominated for Best Comedy at the 2020 National Film Awards.

Writer Mick Sands said: “The idea that the US government is very interested in controlling, if not destroying, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies seemed like an exciting new setup for a movie.”

“Since the blockchain is essentially about honesty and transparency, I thought it would be fun to explore those themes through the characters.”

Tom Sands commented: “Mick and I discussed the story at an early stage. I wanted to break it down and have it take place in a claustrophobic environment, where the location was acting like a pressure cooker and everything was supporting the performances of the amazing cast we were working with.” .

Phil Harris, producer/publisher, added: “I really hope the crypto community will get behind this film because it stands up for cryptocurrency and promotes honesty and transparency.”

“I have seen a blockchain revolution emerging within the film industry, which I hope will help disrupt the current outdated, bloated and often dishonest status quo.

“I want us to be a part of this new and transparent movement and I will look to form partnerships with these blockchain startups.”

The British feature film was released on digital platforms in the US and is available to rent or buy on demand or stream for free on select A-vod platforms. All links to watch the film can be found at www.decryptedfilm.com.