Matt Brodlie and Jonathan Kier’s Upgrade Productions is partnering with Japanese production powerhouse Shochiku on the series A True Novel.
The eight-part Japanese-language series is produced by Shochiku, creator of the world’s longest-running feature film series Tora-san, and written by Riko Sakaguchi, whose credits include Oscar-nominated The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya, Mary And The Witches Flower and After The Rain.
Upgrade Productions serves as executive producer on the project, based on Minae Mizumura’s 2003 Japanese novel itself inspired by Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights. The sweeping saga is set in the decades after the Second World War in Japan and the US and uses different perspectives to bring a love story to life.
“A True Novel is a beautiful story with universal themes and to be collaborating with the incredibly talented Riko Sakaguchi is a dream come true,” said co-presidents Brodlie and Kier. “It’s an epic story which is appealing to global audiences.”
“We are confident in Riko Sakaguchi’s ability to bring the beauty of this novel to a series which will be equally as dynamic and engaging,” said Shochiku head of sales Meri Koyama and Shochiku’s Shuhei Akita who will serve as producer alongside Brodlie and Kier.
Launched in partnership with Germany’s Constantin Film to develop and produce premium local-language productions for a global audience, Upgrade’s development slate includes TV series Twenty Faces based on the popular book series by Japanese mystery writer Edogawa Ranpo, co-produced with Japan’s The Klockworx; fantasy horror series La Jaula (The Cage) co-produced Spain’s DeAPlaneta and Minoria Absoluta; and Sausages (working title) from Australian comedian Ryan Shelton.
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