News

Taylor Hackford Goes Shanghai

Taylor Hackford has signed on to direct Merchant of Shanghai, an English-language biopic that will focus on the life and times of Silas Hardoon, a Baghdad-based Jewish man who was also an opium dealer and property man who aided in transforming Shanghai after migrating there in the 19th century. Hardoon was essential in helping Shanghai go from an obscure land to a major international city.

The director will begin shooting the film a year from now, in fall 2009. He will lens in both Shanghai and surrounding areas. The script is currently entering the rewrite phase. Hackford plans to incorporate as much Chinese input into the film as possible and make it a Chinese production.

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
10.24.08