Menu
26/05/2005
Merchant remembered as 'great' independent film producer
Tributes were pouring in today from the film world following the death of legendary film producer Ismail Merchant on Wednesday.
Merchant, 68, passed away after a brief illness in a London hospital where he was overseeing the final postproduction work on his latest film, 'The White Countess', which stars Ralph Fiennes.
Among those paying tribute were Sir Anthony Hopkins (Howards End), Ralph Fiennes (The White Countess), and film producer Lord Puttnam.
Generally credited as the business partner, though a director in his own right, in the early 1960's Ismail Merchant teamed up with American-born director James Ivory, and German-born writer Ruth Prawer Jhabvala to form Merchant Ivory Productions, a company that he ran for 44 years.
The star of two Oscar winning Merchant Ivory production's ' A Room With A View' and 'Howard's End' Sir Anthony Hopkins said he was saddened by the death of Merchant who he said was a "great man" and a "true pioneer".
Paying tribute to Merchant, film producer Lord Puttnam said he was " a unique man" who had carved his own niche and that he had been a "true independent film producer in Britain."
Ralph Fiennes described Merchant as a "brave and individual producer."
Indian-born Merchant, who was famed for his portrayal of affluent pre-war British society in many of his films, once commented that he disliked the term "costume dramas" as he considered that this belittled the company's films which he said also told "a good story".
Merchant Ivory Productions helped launch the careers of some leading British actors, including Helena Bonham Carter. The company's films collected a brace of awards including six Oscars and two BAFTAS.
It is understood that Merchant died suddenly following a history of stomach problems in the past year.
(SP)
Merchant, 68, passed away after a brief illness in a London hospital where he was overseeing the final postproduction work on his latest film, 'The White Countess', which stars Ralph Fiennes.
Among those paying tribute were Sir Anthony Hopkins (Howards End), Ralph Fiennes (The White Countess), and film producer Lord Puttnam.
Generally credited as the business partner, though a director in his own right, in the early 1960's Ismail Merchant teamed up with American-born director James Ivory, and German-born writer Ruth Prawer Jhabvala to form Merchant Ivory Productions, a company that he ran for 44 years.
The star of two Oscar winning Merchant Ivory production's ' A Room With A View' and 'Howard's End' Sir Anthony Hopkins said he was saddened by the death of Merchant who he said was a "great man" and a "true pioneer".
Paying tribute to Merchant, film producer Lord Puttnam said he was " a unique man" who had carved his own niche and that he had been a "true independent film producer in Britain."
Ralph Fiennes described Merchant as a "brave and individual producer."
Indian-born Merchant, who was famed for his portrayal of affluent pre-war British society in many of his films, once commented that he disliked the term "costume dramas" as he considered that this belittled the company's films which he said also told "a good story".
Merchant Ivory Productions helped launch the careers of some leading British actors, including Helena Bonham Carter. The company's films collected a brace of awards including six Oscars and two BAFTAS.
It is understood that Merchant died suddenly following a history of stomach problems in the past year.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 January 2012
UK Film Urged To Go Mainstream
Comments made by Britain’s Prime Minister, that urged the UK film industry to become more "mainstream" ahead of a review on the UK’s film policy next Monday, have been met with criticism.
UK Film Urged To Go Mainstream
Comments made by Britain’s Prime Minister, that urged the UK film industry to become more "mainstream" ahead of a review on the UK’s film policy next Monday, have been met with criticism.
13 October 2003
Lottery-backed UK films net £125m in receipts
National Lottery investments in the UK film industry has generated box office takings of over £125 million, new figures released today have revealed. Overall, £13 million of Lottery funding invested by the UK Film Council has generated £125.
Lottery-backed UK films net £125m in receipts
National Lottery investments in the UK film industry has generated box office takings of over £125 million, new figures released today have revealed. Overall, £13 million of Lottery funding invested by the UK Film Council has generated £125.
23 April 2004
Blueprint unveiled for film-friendly London
London’s new film and media agency, Film London, has unveiled a variety of measures aimed at making the Capital more film-friendly.
Blueprint unveiled for film-friendly London
London’s new film and media agency, Film London, has unveiled a variety of measures aimed at making the Capital more film-friendly.
31 March 2011
Mayor Confirms Funding For Film London
Film London has announced that the Mayor of London will continue to invest in the agency. This commitment of funding ensures the UK capital has a dedicated film and media agency supporting and driving growth in London's production sector. With funding in place, Film London will continue to deliver its core activities.
Mayor Confirms Funding For Film London
Film London has announced that the Mayor of London will continue to invest in the agency. This commitment of funding ensures the UK capital has a dedicated film and media agency supporting and driving growth in London's production sector. With funding in place, Film London will continue to deliver its core activities.
29 November 2010
UK Industry Bankrolls Inbound Films
An increase in National Lottery funds and an emphasis on funding from within the UK movie industry itself are to bankroll the British Film Institute (BFI) as it assumes the former international marketing role of the UK Film Council (UKFC).
UK Industry Bankrolls Inbound Films
An increase in National Lottery funds and an emphasis on funding from within the UK movie industry itself are to bankroll the British Film Institute (BFI) as it assumes the former international marketing role of the UK Film Council (UKFC).
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
