Movie Talk with Jeremy Thomas
id: 3DD-01-0072
format: HD
British film Producer Jeremy Thomas discusses his 40 year career in the film industry. It was inevitable he would go into the movie world as he grew up watching his dad directing the iconic Carry On films. He also lived close to both Ealing and Pinewood studios, he literally grew up on set. He reflects on those special days where the studios were like giant factories, a hive of activity, with cameras and people everywhere. Thomas remembers in particular the smell of paint, glue and the electronic equipment, evoking special memories of that magical time in the British film industry - before it changed forever. Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence 1983 was his first successful film starring David Bowie and Tom Conti and directed by the legendary Nagisa Oshima. He was keen to make a film about WW2 prisoner of war camp but with a difference, with an attempt to find some common ground, a more human aspect. The Hit 1984 directed by Stephen Frears follows next. Thomas recounts the experience as irresistible, a small crew of 40, a great cast with the likes of John Hurt and Terence Stamp, and an amazing location in Spain. They had a budget of one million and shot it in 6 weeks, Thomas says it was an absolute joy to make. The Last Emperor 1987 directed by Bernardo Bertolucci is an epic film about the last Emperor of China and his life as a child before the Chinese revolution. Thomas discusses the massive scale of the movie set, filmed in the Forbidden City in China, locations that had been off limits to anyone for around 30 years. As Producer he had to secure permission to film there as well as an negotiate an agreement for an army of extras - who all had to have their heads shaved. The Sheltering Sky 1990 another movie with legendary director Bertolucci. This is an impressive exotic picture filmed in the North African desert starring John Malkovich and Debra Winger. Thomas talks of having to build an actual fort on a hill and ordering trucks from the UK to deliver the materials. The Dreamers 2003 an energetic film set in Paris, a wonderful playful picture captured so beautifully by director Bertolucci. The next film discussed is Crash 1996 directed by David Cronenberg, Thomas talks of how he likes to make films for his adult tastes so they will naturally contain adult themes, stories of love. A Dangerous Method 2011 directed again by Cronenberg, a movie featuring 'a very strong cast' Michael Fassbender, Keira Knightley and Viggo Mortensen, how could I resist? says Thomas. He goes on to discuss the producers role in general and how sometimes it's somewhat misunderstood as it has many aspects. Kon-Tiki 2012 a period nordic adventure film about a group of men sailing across the pacific ocean that went on to win best foreign film at the Academy Awards. Only Lovers Left Alive 2013 Thomas breathed life back into Vampire films with this artistic and sophisticated movie set in the modern day with Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston and Mia Wasikowska. Thomas says he got the film made in Cologne Germany, it worked well there because of the 'beautiful texture of the set' and the budget, 'there was plenty of money for it.' Thomas finally reflects of his experiences working in Hollywood, having made 4 films when based there in his office. He still feels like he has plenty of years ahead of him to produce and has no intention of retiring anytime soon. Thomas finishes on a quote from his director dad, 'you leave the movie business or it leaves you' he isn't leaving and is going to continue his wonderful adventure.
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