Legendary British film producer Jeremy Thomas passed away on 11 September at the age of 77. Beyond an incredible career spanning features like The Last Emperor, Crash, Sexy Beast and Only Lovers Left Alive he was an early champion of Film London, serving as a member of our board and as a mentor to our CEO, Adrian Wootton.

Here, Adrian reflects on Jeremy's career, and his role as a vital force and presence within the UK film industry.

"With the passing of Jeremy Thomas, the British film industry has lost one of its most important, charismatic and ambitious film producers. For me personally, it is particularly acute, as I had the honour, privilege and pleasure to know Jeremy for more than 30 years, as friend, mentor and patron.

"As Chair of the British Film Institute, he appointed me to my first job there in 1993. I had an enjoyable number of years working for him at the BFI Southbank and London Film Festival, and hosted him on numerous occasions at premieres and previews of his work.

"There are too many occasions to mention when I got to meet legendary filmmakers and artists, introduced to me by Jeremy. Some of the greatest pleasures of my life have been sitting with him next to David Cronenberg, Bernardo Bertolucci or the time when he introduced me to one of my all-time musical heroes, Robbie Robinson, of The Band fame. But for the most part, the memories I will cherish most were of the two of us at his memorabilia-strewn offices in Hanway Street, where he spun stories about making the many extraordinary films that formed the canon of his work.

"When setting up Film London Jeremy kindly – and without hesitation – accepted the invitation from Chair, Sandy Lieberson and myself to become a Board member. His contribution for those first formative years of the organisation’s life was always constructive, passionate and committed. Even when his time as a Board member came to an end, he remained in touch as one of our most significant alumni, who was always ready to help and support us whenever asked. Indeed, I recall the year when we had a London House at the Toronto Film Festival and Jeremy was guest of honour for an onstage interview I conducted in front of an adoring audience. More recently, he kindly contributed to the industry tributes as we celebrated our 20^th anniversary in 2024.

"Coming right up to date, in 2025 Jeremy accepted an invitation to visit Malta and attend the Mediterrane Film Festival, where I hosted him for an onstage masterclass and presented him with a richly-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award.

"I last saw him at the Cannes Film Festival in May, where he was, as ever, surrounded by industry friends and colleagues, all of us hanging off his every word.

"Jeremy was the most rock ’n’ roll producer I ever knew, someone who came from a family steeped in film making but who carved his own path, rising from being an editor to producing fiercely independent films. I think it is fair to say that many of the films Jeremy produced were challenging, innovative and unique. In fact, making films that probably no one else in Britain or the world could have got made was the mark of Jeremy’s originality and importance.

"His passing leaves a major hole in many of his friends’ lives, but also in British and World Cinema. I know I will miss him terribly and the film world is a much poorer place without him. Thankfully the legacy of his amazing canon of 40 films lives on for us to celebrate and keep on rewatching."

Adrian Wootton OBE

Chief Executive Officer, Film London