‘A disgrace’: Denise Morcombe hits back over ‘misleading’ article

Daniel Morcombe's parents, Denise and Bruce, have hit back at an article published about them as "a disgrace" and based upon a "draft movie script".

The article published Saturday reported Bruce wanted to book a flight under a false name, with intention to confront his son’s killer.

However Denise has taken to Twitter to not only strongly deny the reports but also call them "misleading and damaging".

The reports were based upon a "character" in a "draft movie script", Denise Morcombe said on Twitter.

According to the Courier Mail the movie ‘Where is Daniel?’ will reportedly give fresh insight into the family’s story, which captivated Australia for more than a decade.

The Courier Mail reported that scenes from the movie show Daniel’s parents sharing their honest thoughts and feelings, they dealt with outside the media spotlight.

They shared the pain they went through after the inquest into Daniel’s disappearance, which exposed Brett Peter Cowan as the likely culprit of the shocking crime.

To catch a killer: Daniel Morcombe's story

Never before seen interview with Daniel's killer

Media reports of the film stated Bruce confessed to Denise that he had spent one morning toying with the idea of booking a plane ticket under a false name.

It’s claimed Bruce wanted to fly to Perth and confront “that bastard Cowan”.

Another scene reportedly shows Denise on one of her darkest days.

After seeing another boy Daniel’s age at the time of his disappearance, she thought it was her “Danny” and that “he’d come back”.

The film’s director Peter Cousens told the Courier Mail that what went on behind the scenes was a battle for truth and justice.

He said Bruce Morcombe, who presented himself as in control and calm throughout the ordeal, would be seen in a different light.

“He was filled with a lot of Old Testament vengeance,” he said.

“You think he is a rock, but people will be very surprised when they learn more about Bruce. His reactions are quite extraordinary and unexpected.”

The filmmakers need to raise $200,000 in six days and are encouraging the public to donate $25, so far $100,000 has been raised by over 780 people.

If the crowd-funding target is not met it could see the film delayed for three to five years.

Executive producer Rod Hopping says none of the money will be accepted if the target is not reached.

"We need the community's help and we need it now, because if we don't reach our $300,000 target, not a single pledge will be received," he said.

Mr Hopping said the Kickstarter funds will help finalise the script, bring in casting agents and secure locations.

The producers have provided some sweeteners and incentives for those willing to donate to the project, which will be directed by Peter Cousens.

Everyone who donates $50 or more will have their name in the credits and also receive a PDF of the shooting script and behind-the-scenes content that is delivered electronically during the shooting of the movie.

The $50 package is the most popular while only two of the 100 spots available for an "on set experience", which includes lunch with the director and a cast member for $4950, have been bought.

No one has yet purchased the private screening offer ($6950) while one person has shelled out $7950 to sit with the director and editor while the movie is being cut.

KICKSTARTER: Raising funds for Daniel Morcombe movie

A spokeswoman says the film, based on a book of the same name written by Bruce and Denise Morcombe about their fight for justice after their 13-year-old son was abducted from a bus stop in 2003, will go ahead but the production date may be delayed.

"The film will still be made whether we reach this target or not, what it does affect is the timing our mission is to get this film out 2017/2018 as we feel this is such an important message and that the sooner it reaches screens the better."

The Morcombes were approached by filmmakers after reading the book about their traumatic fight for justice and have promised the project would reveal "much, much more" about their struggle.

"Our journey seems to have connected with people all over Australia and around the world," Mrs Morcombe said in a promotion for the crowd-funding campaign.

"What you really don't know about us, is how we got through those years and what shaped our lives and kept us going."