Produced for Amazon by Ridley Scott and based on the award-winning Phillip K. Dick novel, The Man in the High Castle is an alternate history set in the aftermath of World War II, but in this telling, the Nazis and their Japanese allies were the victors. Semel directed the pilot, which is currently available through Amazon Prime’s instant video service.
Semel’s past credits include Person of Interest, Legends, Heroes and, most recently, Madam Secretary. He received Emmy nominations for House M.D. and Heroes.
In the show, the United States east of the Rockies has become a collaborationist regime controlled by the Germans. The West Coast is dominated by an oppressive Japanese culture. A small strip of territory between the two is a no-man’s land. But a small resistance movement is growing, taking extreme measures to keep from falling into the hands of the Nazi or Japanese, while a power struggle is brewing between the Axis victors.
Production spanned three weeks. “It was mindboggling what we were able to achieve,” Semel observed. “I was shooting scenes during prep, taking advantage of every moment we had. I was supported by a spectacular team.”
Semel was first introduced to Dick’s novel four years ago and has since been working with producer David Zucker and screenwriter Frank Spotnitz to bring it to the screen. Once Amazon became interested in the project, things proceeded quickly.
Ridley Scott’s involvement was, for Semel, a big bonus. “Making a show from a Philip K. Dick novel with one of my cinematic heroes, the man who made Bladerunner – one of the best movies ever – was incredible,” Semel said. “It was very rewarding.”
Semel recently signed with Accomplice Media for commercial representation.
