Oscar-winning Producer Jeremy Thomas Eyeing TV Production with “The Last Emperor” Series

Oscar-winning UK producer Jeremy Thomas is set to make a leap into TV production with a series adaptation of his 1987 best picture winner “The Last Emperor,” directed by the late Bernardo Bertolucci.

Thomas, founder and head of London-based production outfit The Recorded Picture Company (RPC), shared the project at the Creative Investors’ Conference at the San Sebastian International FIlm Festival this week.

“I am a cinema guy. I haven’t invaded television yet…I never thought about The Last Emperor as a TV series but suddenly I saw [Emmy award winning Disney + drama] Shogun and [thought] why can’t I do that with The Last Emperor,” Thomas told an audience of leading global film executives. “It [The Last Emperor] would make an incredible TV series.”

The Last Emperor tells the story of Puyi, the final emperor of China from 1906-1967. He became emperor aged only two in 1908 but was forced to abdicate at the age of six. Briefly restored to the throne in 1917, he was later imprisoned by the People Republic of China in the Mao Zedong era.

Thomas clarified that any small screen version of The Last Emperor will be some distance in the future, with cinema remaining his “first love.”

’Wilder’ Financing

Thomas is still striving to make Billy Wilder And Me, the Christopher Hampton scripted drama feature based on Jonathan Coe’s novel that Stephen Frears is slated to direct. The story follows a young girl who goes to work on one of Wilder’s final films, 1977 feature Fedora, and who falls in love with cinema. The cast includes Christoph Waltz, Jon Hamm, and Maya Hawke. Even with these elements in place, the financing is yet to come together.

Thomas faced struggles to get this project off the ground at a budget that will do it justice. “The book is magnificent and I think I am a professor of film finance but I am having great difficulty in putting this film together for the budget I want to,” he revealed.

Thomas originally intended to make the feature for $20m but acknowledged he was now resigned to “making it for half” that amount.

One recent feature Thomas has completed is Japanese director Ayuko Tsukahara’s Grande Maison Paris, which has been screening in San Sebastian’s Culinary Cinema section this week. The film tells the story of a Japanese chef who opens a new restaurant in Paris in a bid to win a third Michelin star. But the chef struggles with life in France. The film was produced by Hidenori Iyoda of TBS Sparkle. Film Constellation is handling world sales.

Conclusion

While Thomas is open to exploring TV production with The Last Emperor, his focus remains on cinema. He will continue to face challenges in securing financing for Billy Wilder And Me, but his passion for the project remains unwavering.

FAQs

Q: Will Jeremy Thomas be adapting The Last Emperor for TV exclusively?

A: No, Thomas is only considering a series adaptation of The Last Emperor at this time, and has clarified that cinema remains his primary focus.

Q: When can we expect to see the TV series adaptation of The Last Emperor?

A: The timing of the series adaptation has not been announced, as Thomas is prioritizing cinema projects at present.

Q: What is the current status of Billy Wilder And Me?

A: The film is still in development, with Thomas facing challenges in securing financing for the project.