The Hungarian born producer left Hungary in 1956 for good. He first worked in advertising and banking, both of which proved to be preparation for becoming a film producer. He finally opted for film while shooting a commercial in December 1969.
March. 29. 2006.
Although André Szőts has directed and produced more than 220 commercials and videos – for Hungarian television, Antenne2 and FR3 among others – he earned his first major success in Hungary in 1990 with producing the French feature Cyrano de Bergerac which was nominated for the Oscars in five categories, among others Gerard Depardieu for best actor in a leading role.
His last Hungary located work was the four episode television series Napoleon with Gerard Depardieu, Christian Clavier, Isabella Rossellini and John Malkovich in the leading roles. André Szőts was the executive producer of the scenes shot on Hungarian locations for the high budget, category-A co-production. The battles of Napoleon fought at Arcole, Eylau, Austerlitz, Waterloo and Essling were shot in Hungary, as a result of which roughly two thirds of the 120 days of shooting were spent in Hungary.
Szőts tried to attract as many co-productions as possible to Hungary, being convinced that a successful blockbuster might provide opportunities for Hungary to be part of not only co-productions but also the more profitable service fields, since the presence of an international star would provide international publicity for Hungary.
Szőts signed a contract for feature film in French-British-Hungarian co-production last, which starts shooting 18 April in Hungary with the title Treasure Island.
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A scene from Napoleon |
André Szőts’ memorial service was attended only by the closest friends of his at his own request, his ashes were thrown into the river Danube according to his last will. We have lost an artist and a real professional of European film with the death of André Szőts, and his absence will be strongly felt both in Hungarian and French cinematography and in the film industry.
