Funkbuddha Productions

From Writer/Producer Tim Purcell…

Persistance pays off. It was whilst working as a television scriptwriter in Australia in 1975 that I first became interested in the ‘Long March‘. From the outset I saw this epic journey as an amazing human endeavour, not a political statement. That belief remains. For many of the ordinary Chinese who embarked upon this campaign had no concept of such idealogies. They had been persecuted and subjugated by successive warlords. They needed an escape. They needed to find a way to forge their own destiny. This they sincerely believed would be achieved by joining the masses that were intent on breaking free from the nationalist stranglehold. They were prepared for the supreme sacrifice necessary to make that ultimate journey.

When my own journey started, Mao had been lying in state for two years. China remained hidden behind the bamboo curtain. Obtaining a visa to visit was virtually impossible. My own request was politely declined on the basis that, ‘we regret there are at this time no hotels suitable for a European visitor‘.

I returned to the UK, where I continued my research, uncovering transcripts of speeches given by Mao Zedong during the Long March. These provided an invaluable insight into his military capabilities. I also sourced a wealth of first hand accounts by many ordinary Chinese peasants and soldiers who participated in the march. Many of these experiences are woven into my screenplay, imbuing it with authenticity. A screenplay that I originally wrote some twenty years ago. By then things had eased somewhat, and it was becoming possible to travel to China, with restrictions. Chinese diplomats I had met in Los Angeles two years previously were open to the idea of producing such a film, although it went no further. When the script was submitted to a major studio it was met with enthusiasm, but passed on, because of the prohibitive cost of producing such an epic.

For 20 years the screenplay remained in the draw. Then, through John Hodges, I met Xiaoyan, who immediately embraced the project. It is thanks to her tireless efforts, patience and professionalism that we are now able to commence, ‘The Long March‘. Her colleagues in the Chinese film industry introduced us to Mr Han Zhijun, of Changchun Film Studios, who we met in Cannes during the 2007 festival. Despite the language barrier Mr Han and I had an instant rapport. He said he could sense my passion and knowledge for the subject and an agreement to work together was readily agreed.