Starlight Media and K. Jam Media announced today that they will develop and produce a new television series, Empress, alongside award-winning producer Christopher Newman (Game of Thrones). Empress will offer is an epic historical story centered around the only female empress in the history of China. Production is slated to begin in Sichuan China in late 2017 with the first episode planned to air in late 2018.
Empress will tell the storied tale of the only female empress in the history of China, Empress Wu Zetian. Living during the Tang dynasty (618-906 AD)—a time of relative freedom for women—she was known for her wit, intelligence and humor; as well as being ruthless, cunning and a political force to be reckoned with. Empress follows her ascent through the court of Emperor Tai Tsung; life as his favorite concubine—and ultimately her rise to power.
“I am very happy to announce this partnership and am looking forward to working with this excellent creative team to bring the story of the Empress Wu to a global audience,” says Starlight Media Chairman Xu Yan.
“My partner Chris and I have already started to assemble a world class team and are thrilled to be in business with our friends at Starlight Media,” adds Kia Jam, CEO of K.Jam Media. “The story of the Empress is a story of intrigue, history and power that provides a deep storytelling well that we hope will have numerous seasons to follow.”
Starlight Media has committed to fully financing the series—with $70 million budgeted for the first season’s 13 episodes.
