Less than three months after being tapped CEO of Banijay France, Alexia Laroche-Joubert, a well-known industry figure, has enlisted Authentic Media, a leading French premium scripted banner that will join the “Peaky Blinders” production-distribution powerhouse.
The acquisition of Authentic Media, who produced hit French adaptations of series such as “Rita” and “This is Us,” took a couple of years to materialize and will further bolster Banijay France’s portfolio of scripted labels. These include the in-house outfits Banijay Studio France and Shine Fiction; as well as Fiction’Air (“Les Disparus de la Forêt Noire”); Terence Films (“Rivière-Perdue”); Montmartre; Screen Line (“Trash”); and Marathon, which has three series in development.
Founded in 2011 by Aline Panel, Authentic Media’s production output spans drama, film, and documentary. With 15 projects in development, the company has developed seven seasons of “Sam,” based on the Nordic series hit “Rita” which was created by Christian Torpe for...
The acquisition of Authentic Media, who produced hit French adaptations of series such as “Rita” and “This is Us,” took a couple of years to materialize and will further bolster Banijay France’s portfolio of scripted labels. These include the in-house outfits Banijay Studio France and Shine Fiction; as well as Fiction’Air (“Les Disparus de la Forêt Noire”); Terence Films (“Rivière-Perdue”); Montmartre; Screen Line (“Trash”); and Marathon, which has three series in development.
Founded in 2011 by Aline Panel, Authentic Media’s production output spans drama, film, and documentary. With 15 projects in development, the company has developed seven seasons of “Sam,” based on the Nordic series hit “Rita” which was created by Christian Torpe for...
- 11/23/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Patrick Wachsberger’s Picture Perfect Entertainment is launching international sales on Jan Kounen’s “The Incredible Shrinking Man” starring Jean Dujardin, the Oscar-winning actor of “The Artist.”
The ambitious film is a modern adaption of Richard Matheson’s science fiction novel, which was previously brought to the big screen by Universal Pictures in 1957 with Jack Arnold’s “The Shrinking Man.”
The French movie is being produced by Alain Goldman at Pitchipoi Productions and Picture Perfect, the vehicle launched by Wachsberger, the former co-chairman of Lionsgate who won a best picture Oscar for “Coda” in 2021.
Slated to start shooting in May 2024, the movie tells the story of a man who gradually shrinks to less than an inch tall after an exposure to a combination of radiation and insecticide. With medical science powerless to help him, brushes with cats, mouse traps and spiders become a matter of life and death, and he...
The ambitious film is a modern adaption of Richard Matheson’s science fiction novel, which was previously brought to the big screen by Universal Pictures in 1957 with Jack Arnold’s “The Shrinking Man.”
The French movie is being produced by Alain Goldman at Pitchipoi Productions and Picture Perfect, the vehicle launched by Wachsberger, the former co-chairman of Lionsgate who won a best picture Oscar for “Coda” in 2021.
Slated to start shooting in May 2024, the movie tells the story of a man who gradually shrinks to less than an inch tall after an exposure to a combination of radiation and insecticide. With medical science powerless to help him, brushes with cats, mouse traps and spiders become a matter of life and death, and he...
- 11/3/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Sixty-six years ago, Creature from the Black Lagoon director Jack Arnold teamed up with author Richard Matheson to bring Matheson’s sci-fi novel The Shrinking Man to the screen as The Incredible Shrinking Man (watch it Here). Now Deadline reports that Picture Perfect Federation Chairman Patrick Wachsberger, who was formerly the Co-Chairman of Lionsgate, is working with La Vie En Rose producer Alain Goldman on a French remake of The Incredible Shrinking Man that is set to star Jean Dujardin, who won an Oscar for his performance in the lead role of the 2012 silent film The Artist – which also happened to be the Best Picture winner that year.
The Wachsberger-produced Coda just won Best Picture last year and La Vie En Rose earned an Oscar for star Marion Cotillard, so this remake has multiple prestigious names attached to it.
Universal Pictures released The Incredible Shrinking Man in ’57 and still holds the rights to the property,...
The Wachsberger-produced Coda just won Best Picture last year and La Vie En Rose earned an Oscar for star Marion Cotillard, so this remake has multiple prestigious names attached to it.
Universal Pictures released The Incredible Shrinking Man in ’57 and still holds the rights to the property,...
- 10/4/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Picture Perfect Federation Chairman Patrick Wachsberger, former Co-Chairman of Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group, stopped by our Zurich Summit studio this past weekend to discuss the progress of his Jv with Federation Entertainment, some of the exciting projects he is working on, and the recent challenge of choosing between The Taste Of Things and Anatomy Of A Fall on France’s Oscar selection committee.
Since launching in 2019, Picture Perfect Federation has added outposts in Italy, UK, Germany and Israel.
Wachsberger, who won a Best Picture Oscar for Coda two years ago, tells us he “considered retirement for about 15 minutes” after leaving Lionsgate but explains why Picture Perfect has given him a new lease on life. You can watch the video of our chat above.
Among high-profile projects coming up for the company are Coda director Sian Heder’s next film, The Impossible Us, and The Department, the English-language TV...
Since launching in 2019, Picture Perfect Federation has added outposts in Italy, UK, Germany and Israel.
Wachsberger, who won a Best Picture Oscar for Coda two years ago, tells us he “considered retirement for about 15 minutes” after leaving Lionsgate but explains why Picture Perfect has given him a new lease on life. You can watch the video of our chat above.
Among high-profile projects coming up for the company are Coda director Sian Heder’s next film, The Impossible Us, and The Department, the English-language TV...
- 10/4/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
French actor-director Nicolas Bedos, who is facing trial in February 2024 for an alleged sexual assault under the influence of alcohol dating from June 1, is now being investigated on rape and sexual assault charges after three complaints were filed with the Paris prosecutor.
News of the preliminary investigation was first reported in a bombshell investigative report published by French outlet Mediapart. The investigation cites four women, two of whom addressed a letter to the public prosecutor. The prosecutor’s spokesperson confirmed to Variety that a preliminary investigation was opened on July 5 on charges of alleged sexual assault and rape “after receiving three distinct complaints against Nicolas Bedos.”
Bedos’ attorney Julia Minkowski declined to comment.
One of the three complaints was filed by a female actor and screenwriter who also spoke to Mediapart on the basis of anonymity and is accusing Bedos of having sexually assaulted and raped her in 1999. At the time,...
News of the preliminary investigation was first reported in a bombshell investigative report published by French outlet Mediapart. The investigation cites four women, two of whom addressed a letter to the public prosecutor. The prosecutor’s spokesperson confirmed to Variety that a preliminary investigation was opened on July 5 on charges of alleged sexual assault and rape “after receiving three distinct complaints against Nicolas Bedos.”
Bedos’ attorney Julia Minkowski declined to comment.
One of the three complaints was filed by a female actor and screenwriter who also spoke to Mediapart on the basis of anonymity and is accusing Bedos of having sexually assaulted and raped her in 1999. At the time,...
- 7/19/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
A preliminary investigation into accusations of rape and sexual assault against popular French actor and director Nicolas Bedos has been opened by the Paris Prosecutor’s Office.
News of the investigation broke in an in-depth report on the Mediapart news website on Tuesday afternoon and was then confirmed by multiple French outlets overnight.
It follows the actor’s 24-hour detention in police custody in early June after a 25-year-old woman accused him of touching her inappropriately in a nightclub in Paris.
Bedos faces a court hearing in February 2024 related to the accusation on charges of “sexual assault while under the influence of alcohol”.
The new preliminary investigation is for three fresh allegations, one for rape and sexual assault, and two others for sexual assault.
The Mediapart report said that news of the nightclub incident in June had encouraged other women to come forward with allegations against the actor.
Two of...
News of the investigation broke in an in-depth report on the Mediapart news website on Tuesday afternoon and was then confirmed by multiple French outlets overnight.
It follows the actor’s 24-hour detention in police custody in early June after a 25-year-old woman accused him of touching her inappropriately in a nightclub in Paris.
Bedos faces a court hearing in February 2024 related to the accusation on charges of “sexual assault while under the influence of alcohol”.
The new preliminary investigation is for three fresh allegations, one for rape and sexual assault, and two others for sexual assault.
The Mediapart report said that news of the nightclub incident in June had encouraged other women to come forward with allegations against the actor.
Two of...
- 7/19/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
French actor-writer-director was released from custody yesterday after an incident in a Parisian nightclub.
French actor-writer-director Nicolas Bedos is to stand trial for alleged sexual assault after being released from police custody on Thursday (June 22) evening following an incident in a Parisian nightclub.
Bedos entered police custody on Wednesday (June 21) after a woman filed a complaint claiming that Bedos drunkenly touched her inappropriately during a night out in early June.
According to his lawyer Julia Minkowski, Bedos has no memory of the incident. She said in a statement to press that “such a gesture, which he has no recollection of,...
French actor-writer-director Nicolas Bedos is to stand trial for alleged sexual assault after being released from police custody on Thursday (June 22) evening following an incident in a Parisian nightclub.
Bedos entered police custody on Wednesday (June 21) after a woman filed a complaint claiming that Bedos drunkenly touched her inappropriately during a night out in early June.
According to his lawyer Julia Minkowski, Bedos has no memory of the incident. She said in a statement to press that “such a gesture, which he has no recollection of,...
- 6/23/2023
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
Popular French actor and director Nicolas Bedos is reported have spent 24 hours in police custody in Paris from Wednesday to Thursday following a complaint against him for sexual assault and faces a court hearing in 2024.
According to French news agency, which said it had spoken to sources close to the case, the allegations are related to events in a French night club on the night of June 1 to 2.
The agency reported that a complaint had been lodged by a 25-year-old woman who said the actor approached her while she was having a drink in the club and “held his hand… at the level of her panties”.
The woman said she had repelled his advances and that a security guard had escorted the actor from the club.
The 44-year-old actor is reported to have told investigators that if the gesture happened it was “accidental”.
His lawyer Julia Minkowski has not commented to the press.
According to French news agency, which said it had spoken to sources close to the case, the allegations are related to events in a French night club on the night of June 1 to 2.
The agency reported that a complaint had been lodged by a 25-year-old woman who said the actor approached her while she was having a drink in the club and “held his hand… at the level of her panties”.
The woman said she had repelled his advances and that a security guard had escorted the actor from the club.
The 44-year-old actor is reported to have told investigators that if the gesture happened it was “accidental”.
His lawyer Julia Minkowski has not commented to the press.
- 6/22/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated: French actor-director Nicolas Bedos will face trial in early 2024 for alleged sexual assault, Variety has confirmed.
Bedos was held in police custody in Paris for over 24 hours and was released on Thursday evening, following a complaint filed by a woman for an alleged sexual assault for an alleged incident which occurred during the night of June 1 in a Parisian club. Bedos allegedly put his hand on the crotch of the woman who was wearing jeans, according to news agency Afp, which reported that it had access to the police complaint.
Bedos will be trialed for alleged sexual assault under the influence of drunkenness and faces five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office.
In a statement sent to Variety, Bedos’ attorney Julia Minkowski said the “custody was lifted. Nicolas Bedos was able to explain himself to the investigators. He does not...
Bedos was held in police custody in Paris for over 24 hours and was released on Thursday evening, following a complaint filed by a woman for an alleged sexual assault for an alleged incident which occurred during the night of June 1 in a Parisian club. Bedos allegedly put his hand on the crotch of the woman who was wearing jeans, according to news agency Afp, which reported that it had access to the police complaint.
Bedos will be trialed for alleged sexual assault under the influence of drunkenness and faces five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office.
In a statement sent to Variety, Bedos’ attorney Julia Minkowski said the “custody was lifted. Nicolas Bedos was able to explain himself to the investigators. He does not...
- 6/22/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
After teaming with the French filmmaker with The Mad Women’s Ball (Le bal des folles) a TIFF selection in 2021, Amazon Prime Video France will back Sulak – Melanie Laurent‘s next feature film. Produced by Pitchipoï Productions’ Alain Goldman, production begins this summer in Paris and southern France this summer. Screen Daily reports that Lucas Bravo takes the lead role. Laurent is coming off the crime caper Voleuses – which starred herself, Adèle Exarchopoulos and Isabelle Adjani. That filmed is slated for a November release via Netflix – which means that too could land at TIFF just prior.
Co-written by Laurent with regular writing partner Christophe Deslandes, this tells the story of Bruno Sulak, a notorious real-life French criminal known for his non-violent heists on multiple jewelry stores in the 1980s.…...
Co-written by Laurent with regular writing partner Christophe Deslandes, this tells the story of Bruno Sulak, a notorious real-life French criminal known for his non-violent heists on multiple jewelry stores in the 1980s.…...
- 6/20/2023
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
‘Sulak’ is the first production from Alain Goldman’s Pitchipoï Productions.
Amazon Prime Video France is reteaming with director Melanie Laurent for the feature Sulak and has greenlit five new French feature films and three original series. Laurent directed Amazon’s first French-language original The Mad Women’s Ball in 2021.
Sulak will star newcomer Lucas Bravo as Bruno Sulak, a notorious real-life French criminal known for his non-violent heists on multiple jewelry stores in the 1980s. Sulak managed to escape from prison several times in order to reunite with his lover and accomplice, becoming public enemy number one in the process.
Amazon Prime Video France is reteaming with director Melanie Laurent for the feature Sulak and has greenlit five new French feature films and three original series. Laurent directed Amazon’s first French-language original The Mad Women’s Ball in 2021.
Sulak will star newcomer Lucas Bravo as Bruno Sulak, a notorious real-life French criminal known for his non-violent heists on multiple jewelry stores in the 1980s. Sulak managed to escape from prison several times in order to reunite with his lover and accomplice, becoming public enemy number one in the process.
- 6/19/2023
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
The accusations span the production of projects including Netflix series Marseille, period biopics L’Autre Dumas and La Vie En Rose and French comedy Disco.
French actor Gerard Depardieu has been accused of sexual misconduct by 13 women in an extensive report from Paris-based investigative news website Mediapart.
Depardieu has denied any wrongdoing through his legal team and has not been formally charged following the accusations.
Mediapart reported the accusations of actresses, make-up artists and production staff, many of whom preferred to remain anonymous. Their accusations detail inappropriate behaviour that allegedly occurred during the shooting of 11 films released between 2004 and 2022.
The...
French actor Gerard Depardieu has been accused of sexual misconduct by 13 women in an extensive report from Paris-based investigative news website Mediapart.
Depardieu has denied any wrongdoing through his legal team and has not been formally charged following the accusations.
Mediapart reported the accusations of actresses, make-up artists and production staff, many of whom preferred to remain anonymous. Their accusations detail inappropriate behaviour that allegedly occurred during the shooting of 11 films released between 2004 and 2022.
The...
- 4/12/2023
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
French actor Gerard Depardieu, who is already indicted on rape and sexual assault charges in connection to a 2018 case, is now being accused of sexual misconduct by 13 women in an investigative report published by Mediapart.
The accusations were made by female actors, make-up artists and production staff, some of whom spoke on the basis of anonymity, and allegedly occurred during the filming of 11 films released between 2004 and 2022. Mediapart said “one actress has just given her account to the French justice system.”
None of these 13 women have taken legal action against Depardieu, according to a statement provided to Variety by the Paris prosecutor’s office.
“The prosecutor has not received any new lawsuit. A formal investigation, launched in 2020 following the lawsuit filed by Charlotte Arnaud, is still ongoing,” continued the statement.
Depardieu’s legal representation Cabinet Temime has denied all the accusations and released a lengthy statement saying that the actor...
The accusations were made by female actors, make-up artists and production staff, some of whom spoke on the basis of anonymity, and allegedly occurred during the filming of 11 films released between 2004 and 2022. Mediapart said “one actress has just given her account to the French justice system.”
None of these 13 women have taken legal action against Depardieu, according to a statement provided to Variety by the Paris prosecutor’s office.
“The prosecutor has not received any new lawsuit. A formal investigation, launched in 2020 following the lawsuit filed by Charlotte Arnaud, is still ongoing,” continued the statement.
Depardieu’s legal representation Cabinet Temime has denied all the accusations and released a lengthy statement saying that the actor...
- 4/12/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
France-based production giant’s parent company listed on Amsterdam stock exchange last year.
Revenues at France-based production giant Banijay jumped 16.5% to €3.2bn in 2022, according to end-of-year financial results of parent company Fl Entertainment Group.
Banijay became the world’s largest independent TV producer in 2020 after its headline-making $2.2bn takeover of Endemol Shine Group. It listed on the Amsterdam stock market last May via parent company Fl Entertainment alongside online sports betting platform Betclic.
Fl Entertainment had total 2022 revenues of €4bn for Betclic and Banijay, up 15.7% from the year before, with Banijay accounting for the lion’s share (80%) of the group’s revenue.
Revenues at France-based production giant Banijay jumped 16.5% to €3.2bn in 2022, according to end-of-year financial results of parent company Fl Entertainment Group.
Banijay became the world’s largest independent TV producer in 2020 after its headline-making $2.2bn takeover of Endemol Shine Group. It listed on the Amsterdam stock market last May via parent company Fl Entertainment alongside online sports betting platform Betclic.
Fl Entertainment had total 2022 revenues of €4bn for Betclic and Banijay, up 15.7% from the year before, with Banijay accounting for the lion’s share (80%) of the group’s revenue.
- 3/17/2023
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
Banijay, Stéphane Courbit’s TV production and distribution powerhouse behind “Survivor” and “Peaky Blinders,” has made a vibrant debut in the Amsterdam stock market.
The Paris-headquartered company, which took over Endemol Shine Group in 2020 in a splashy $2.2 billion deal, saw its revenue climb by 16.5% – or 13.3% at constant currency — to €3.21 billion ($3.4 billion) in 2022. While its profit margin fell by 1% to 14.7%, Banijay’s earnings before interest, tax and amortization (Ebitda) grew by 9% to €472 million ($501 million) in 2022. A bullish performance compared with its rival Fremantle whose Ebitda reached €162 million after rising by 15% during the same period.
Banijay was listed last year through a newly-created special purpose acquisition company named Fl Entertainment. The banner comprises both Banijay and Courbit’s online gambling group Betclic. As a whole, Fl Entertainment’s yearly revenue rose by 13.2% at constant currency to €4 billion ($4.2 billion).
Banijay’s strong financial results were bolstered by its content production and distribution activities.
The Paris-headquartered company, which took over Endemol Shine Group in 2020 in a splashy $2.2 billion deal, saw its revenue climb by 16.5% – or 13.3% at constant currency — to €3.21 billion ($3.4 billion) in 2022. While its profit margin fell by 1% to 14.7%, Banijay’s earnings before interest, tax and amortization (Ebitda) grew by 9% to €472 million ($501 million) in 2022. A bullish performance compared with its rival Fremantle whose Ebitda reached €162 million after rising by 15% during the same period.
Banijay was listed last year through a newly-created special purpose acquisition company named Fl Entertainment. The banner comprises both Banijay and Courbit’s online gambling group Betclic. As a whole, Fl Entertainment’s yearly revenue rose by 13.2% at constant currency to €4 billion ($4.2 billion).
Banijay’s strong financial results were bolstered by its content production and distribution activities.
- 3/17/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
VFX powerhouse MacGuff is using its proprietary tools Face Engine and the new Face Creative Engine, in conjunction with traditional CGI, on a slew of French and international projects for streamers and French broadcasters.
France is one of the world’s biggest VFX hubs, leveraged by its Trip scheme, that enables foreign shoots to tap into a 40 cash rebate on all eligible expenses – including expenses for live action that are not VFX related – for international projects whose VFX expenses surpass €2 million (2.16 million) spent in France.
Philippe Sonrier, MacGuff’s co-founder and joint director, says that the studio is seeing rising demand from streamers. The studio has 70 staff, but plans to grow to around 120 in 2023, due to rising demand.
For Netflix, MacGuff is providing VFX work on three series, including Season 3 of “Lupin,” having worked on Seasons 1 and 2. “Wonderman” is about the life of French empresario Bernard Tapie, in which the studio uses de-ageing tools.
France is one of the world’s biggest VFX hubs, leveraged by its Trip scheme, that enables foreign shoots to tap into a 40 cash rebate on all eligible expenses – including expenses for live action that are not VFX related – for international projects whose VFX expenses surpass €2 million (2.16 million) spent in France.
Philippe Sonrier, MacGuff’s co-founder and joint director, says that the studio is seeing rising demand from streamers. The studio has 70 staff, but plans to grow to around 120 in 2023, due to rising demand.
For Netflix, MacGuff is providing VFX work on three series, including Season 3 of “Lupin,” having worked on Seasons 1 and 2. “Wonderman” is about the life of French empresario Bernard Tapie, in which the studio uses de-ageing tools.
- 1/16/2023
- by Martin Dale
- Variety Film + TV
French and European producers based in France can apply for state aid for international streamer projects.
French state film organisation the Cnc is to extend its financing to support local producers working with international streamers.
Starting on January 1, French and European producers based in France can apply for state aid to produce projects pre-financed by a foreign platform, subject to local investment obligations.
In return for the funding, the Cnc will put a limit on streamers’ complete buyouts of projects by capping the duration of the rights they can acquire for films and TV series.
Series or films financed with...
French state film organisation the Cnc is to extend its financing to support local producers working with international streamers.
Starting on January 1, French and European producers based in France can apply for state aid to produce projects pre-financed by a foreign platform, subject to local investment obligations.
In return for the funding, the Cnc will put a limit on streamers’ complete buyouts of projects by capping the duration of the rights they can acquire for films and TV series.
Series or films financed with...
- 12/15/2022
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
Salto is up for sale and Canal+ is eyeing Orange.
Au revoir Salto and Orange and bonjour to Universal+ and Paramount+?
After shaking up France’s seemingly iron-clad media chronology system, the US-owned platforms are expanding their footprints in the country as the fight to woo subscribers escalates and local platforms are busy restructuring and scrambling to untangle existing deals.
Joining the already active Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+ and Prime Video, Universal+ arrived on French telecom Sfr on November 17, available only to Sfr subscribers for now. The streamer is sending more than 20,000 hours of content from 13e Rue, Syfy, E!
Au revoir Salto and Orange and bonjour to Universal+ and Paramount+?
After shaking up France’s seemingly iron-clad media chronology system, the US-owned platforms are expanding their footprints in the country as the fight to woo subscribers escalates and local platforms are busy restructuring and scrambling to untangle existing deals.
Joining the already active Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+ and Prime Video, Universal+ arrived on French telecom Sfr on November 17, available only to Sfr subscribers for now. The streamer is sending more than 20,000 hours of content from 13e Rue, Syfy, E!
- 12/2/2022
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
Salto is up for sale and Canal+ is eyeing Orange.
Au revoir Salto and Orange and bonjour to Universal+ and Paramount+?
After shaking up France’s seemingly iron-clad media chronology system, the US-owned platforms are expanding their footprints in the country as the fight to woo subscribers escalates and local platforms are busy restructuring and scrambling to untangle existing deals.
Joining the already active Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+ and Prime Video, Universal+ arrived on French telecom Sfr on November 17, available only to Sfr subscribers for now. The streamer is sending ore than 20,000 hours of content from 13e Rue, Syfy, E!
Au revoir Salto and Orange and bonjour to Universal+ and Paramount+?
After shaking up France’s seemingly iron-clad media chronology system, the US-owned platforms are expanding their footprints in the country as the fight to woo subscribers escalates and local platforms are busy restructuring and scrambling to untangle existing deals.
Joining the already active Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+ and Prime Video, Universal+ arrived on French telecom Sfr on November 17, available only to Sfr subscribers for now. The streamer is sending ore than 20,000 hours of content from 13e Rue, Syfy, E!
- 12/2/2022
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
The US streamer unveils local-language originals and French acquisitions.
Amazon Prime Video has signalled its ambition to work closely with the French film industry by signing a four-year agreement with France’s film industry unions to support independent projects and promote gender and ethnic diversity, and unveiling a slate of original projects and acquisitions.
The signatories to the ground-breaking deal included audio-visual producers union the Uspa, independent producers union, the Spi and author’s rights group the Sacd. Under the terms of the agreement, Prime Video agreed to invest 85 of its financing into local French production and support a “diversity...
Amazon Prime Video has signalled its ambition to work closely with the French film industry by signing a four-year agreement with France’s film industry unions to support independent projects and promote gender and ethnic diversity, and unveiling a slate of original projects and acquisitions.
The signatories to the ground-breaking deal included audio-visual producers union the Uspa, independent producers union, the Spi and author’s rights group the Sacd. Under the terms of the agreement, Prime Video agreed to invest 85 of its financing into local French production and support a “diversity...
- 12/1/2022
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
Amazon Prime Video has come a long way since launching in France in 2016. The streamer, whose first French film original, “The Mad Women’s Ball,” recently picked up an International Emmy Award, unveiled a landmark deal with French guilds during a posh dinner with industry players and talent in Paris on Wednesday evening (Nov. 30).
On the guest list at the chic Lutetia Hotel was a laundry list of talent that’s in business with Prime Video, including Philippe Lacheau (“Lol”), Franck Gastambide (“Medellin”), Eloise Lang (“La Graine”), Melha Bedia (“Miskina”), Ziad Doueiri (“Coeurs Noirs”), as well as producers Alain Goldman, Pathé Films’ Ardavan Safaee, Mandarin’s Eric Altmayer, CG Cinema’s Charles Gillibert, Metropolitan FilmExport’s Victor Hadida, Newen’s Romain Bessi, and Asasha Group’s Gaspard de Chavagnac, among many others.
Announced by Brigitte Ricou-Bellan, Prime Video’s country manager in France, the four-year deal was signed with the guilds AnimFrance,...
On the guest list at the chic Lutetia Hotel was a laundry list of talent that’s in business with Prime Video, including Philippe Lacheau (“Lol”), Franck Gastambide (“Medellin”), Eloise Lang (“La Graine”), Melha Bedia (“Miskina”), Ziad Doueiri (“Coeurs Noirs”), as well as producers Alain Goldman, Pathé Films’ Ardavan Safaee, Mandarin’s Eric Altmayer, CG Cinema’s Charles Gillibert, Metropolitan FilmExport’s Victor Hadida, Newen’s Romain Bessi, and Asasha Group’s Gaspard de Chavagnac, among many others.
Announced by Brigitte Ricou-Bellan, Prime Video’s country manager in France, the four-year deal was signed with the guilds AnimFrance,...
- 12/1/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Banijay (“Marie Antoinette”) has boarded “Les disparus de la Forêt Noire,” a gritty French thriller starring Hélène de Fougerolles (“Balthazar”), Gregory Fitoussi (“St Tropez,” “Spiral”) and Tcheky Karyo (“The Missing,” “Baptiste”).
Commissioned by TF1, “Les Disparus de la Forêt Noire,” is co-produced by Banijay Studios France, Fiction’Air, Belga Productions and Rtbf. The premium drama will be distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.
“Les disparus de la Forêt Noire” is set in the heart of the Black Forest, at a binational military base near the French-German border, where twelve bodies, all men, are found in a mass grave. The victims are both French and German, with the murders committed over three decades. Judge Camille Hartmamnn, played by Hélène de Fougerolles, has a connection to the case, her memory has been impaired after a car accident. Yet, this macabre discovery revives memories Hartmann believed to be buried. Meanwhile, veteran French officer Franz Agerland...
Commissioned by TF1, “Les Disparus de la Forêt Noire,” is co-produced by Banijay Studios France, Fiction’Air, Belga Productions and Rtbf. The premium drama will be distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.
“Les disparus de la Forêt Noire” is set in the heart of the Black Forest, at a binational military base near the French-German border, where twelve bodies, all men, are found in a mass grave. The victims are both French and German, with the murders committed over three decades. Judge Camille Hartmamnn, played by Hélène de Fougerolles, has a connection to the case, her memory has been impaired after a car accident. Yet, this macabre discovery revives memories Hartmann believed to be buried. Meanwhile, veteran French officer Franz Agerland...
- 11/28/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Newen Studios, a division of France’s TF1 Group-owned media banner Newen, has acquired Vanessa Djian’s French production banner Daï Daï Films.
The acquisition of Daï Daï Films underscores the company’s strategy to ramp up its presence in the feature film landscape and aggregate talents, following the footsteps of French indie powerhouses such as Mediawan.
Djian, who will remain in post at Daï Daï Films, began her career in the movie industry working on shoots for films directed by Clint Eastwood, Christopher Nolan, Luc Besson and Dany Boon, among others. She also worked a number of years with Alain Goldman (“La Vie en Rose”) at Legende Films before launching her own production vehicle, Daï-Daï Films in 2017. Dijan’s company has so far produced movies such as Alexis Michalik’s “Edmond” (pictured) and “Adieu Monsieur Haffman,” an adaptation of the play that received six nominations at the Molières awards.
The acquisition of Daï Daï Films underscores the company’s strategy to ramp up its presence in the feature film landscape and aggregate talents, following the footsteps of French indie powerhouses such as Mediawan.
Djian, who will remain in post at Daï Daï Films, began her career in the movie industry working on shoots for films directed by Clint Eastwood, Christopher Nolan, Luc Besson and Dany Boon, among others. She also worked a number of years with Alain Goldman (“La Vie en Rose”) at Legende Films before launching her own production vehicle, Daï-Daï Films in 2017. Dijan’s company has so far produced movies such as Alexis Michalik’s “Edmond” (pictured) and “Adieu Monsieur Haffman,” an adaptation of the play that received six nominations at the Molières awards.
- 11/14/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
TF1’s production division adds Paris-based firm to its group of labels.
French production powerhouse Newen Studios has acquired Vanessa Djian’s Paris-based Daï-Daï Films, the latest addition to its growing group of European production labels.
Since its launch in 2017, Daï-Daï Films has co-produced several ambitious French and international projects including Fred Cavaye’s Farewell, Mr. Haffmann alongside Vendôme Pictures and Pathé, and Alexis Michalik’s Cyrano My Love.
Newen Studios is the production subsidiary of French media giant TF1 group and houses more than 40 labels.
Djian was an associate producer on Laure De Clermont-Tonnerre’s English-language Sundance title The Mustang,...
French production powerhouse Newen Studios has acquired Vanessa Djian’s Paris-based Daï-Daï Films, the latest addition to its growing group of European production labels.
Since its launch in 2017, Daï-Daï Films has co-produced several ambitious French and international projects including Fred Cavaye’s Farewell, Mr. Haffmann alongside Vendôme Pictures and Pathé, and Alexis Michalik’s Cyrano My Love.
Newen Studios is the production subsidiary of French media giant TF1 group and houses more than 40 labels.
Djian was an associate producer on Laure De Clermont-Tonnerre’s English-language Sundance title The Mustang,...
- 11/14/2022
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
Antonin Baudry, who made his feature debut with Netflix’s submarine thriller “The Wolf’s Call,” is set to adapt Homer’s epic war tales of “The Iliad and The Odyssey” into a science fiction series titled “Ulysse.”
Pathé has recently boarded the series project, which is being co-developed by Axelle Boucai (The Mad’s Women Ball”) and Alain Goldman at Paris-based Ness Films.
“Antonin Baudry is writing the adaptation and had the idea of transposing these mythological tales in space and in the future,” said Boucai, who cited “Dune” as inspiration.
The producer said the series will follow the fantasy-filled adventures of Ulysse through the 10-year Trojan Wars and beyond. “Ulysse” will also involve mythological characters from “The Iliad and the Odyssey,” such as Achilles, Helen, Hector and Penelope. Homer is known as one of the greatest of the ancient Greek epic poets in the Western classical tradition.
Pathé last...
Pathé has recently boarded the series project, which is being co-developed by Axelle Boucai (The Mad’s Women Ball”) and Alain Goldman at Paris-based Ness Films.
“Antonin Baudry is writing the adaptation and had the idea of transposing these mythological tales in space and in the future,” said Boucai, who cited “Dune” as inspiration.
The producer said the series will follow the fantasy-filled adventures of Ulysse through the 10-year Trojan Wars and beyond. “Ulysse” will also involve mythological characters from “The Iliad and the Odyssey,” such as Achilles, Helen, Hector and Penelope. Homer is known as one of the greatest of the ancient Greek epic poets in the Western classical tradition.
Pathé last...
- 9/15/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: French network M6 has ordered a drama about a man who manipulates women and turns deception into an art form.
The commission marks a debut series for Banijay France label Shine Fiction, which is co-producing Serial Lover with Amaury Fournial from Sibaro Films. Banijay Rights takes international sales.
Written by Alice Den Broek and directed by Fred Berthe, Serial Lover‘s synopsis bills the show as “the story of a shrewd man who lives many different lives – a pilot, a surgeon, a broker, a journalist; developing a new personality for every identity and deceiving experts in each field. Handsome, charming, and attentive, exhilarated by his power, the deception becomes an art form as he manipulates all those around him, especially women who he targets and steals from. How many women have fallen in this trap?”
“For the victims, the consequences are heavy, they become isolated from their families, humiliated,...
The commission marks a debut series for Banijay France label Shine Fiction, which is co-producing Serial Lover with Amaury Fournial from Sibaro Films. Banijay Rights takes international sales.
Written by Alice Den Broek and directed by Fred Berthe, Serial Lover‘s synopsis bills the show as “the story of a shrewd man who lives many different lives – a pilot, a surgeon, a broker, a journalist; developing a new personality for every identity and deceiving experts in each field. Handsome, charming, and attentive, exhilarated by his power, the deception becomes an art form as he manipulates all those around him, especially women who he targets and steals from. How many women have fallen in this trap?”
“For the victims, the consequences are heavy, they become isolated from their families, humiliated,...
- 8/24/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Dujardin stars in comedy-drama Alphonse, written and directed by Nicolas Bedos.
Amazon Prime Video has unveiled a slate of seven new French original productions including projects from Jean Dujardin, Maïmouna Doucouré and Franck Gastambide.
Dujardin stars in comedy-drama Alphonse, written and directed by Nicolas Bedos and produced by Alain Goldman for Montmartre Films. Described as a “sharp-and-witty comedy”, it is based on an original idea by Dujardin and Bedos
Gastambide (creator of TV series Validé) has written and directed action comedy Medellín, about a young YouTuber fascinated by Pablo Escobar who gets kidnapped.
Maïmouna Doucouré follows up Sundance entry Cuties with coming-of-age film Hawa,...
Amazon Prime Video has unveiled a slate of seven new French original productions including projects from Jean Dujardin, Maïmouna Doucouré and Franck Gastambide.
Dujardin stars in comedy-drama Alphonse, written and directed by Nicolas Bedos and produced by Alain Goldman for Montmartre Films. Described as a “sharp-and-witty comedy”, it is based on an original idea by Dujardin and Bedos
Gastambide (creator of TV series Validé) has written and directed action comedy Medellín, about a young YouTuber fascinated by Pablo Escobar who gets kidnapped.
Maïmouna Doucouré follows up Sundance entry Cuties with coming-of-age film Hawa,...
- 4/12/2022
- by Melissa Kasule
- ScreenDaily
Amazon Prime Video has unveiled seven new shows from the likes of Jean Dujardin, Nicolas Bedos, Franck Gastambide and Maïmouna Doucouré, while recommissioning Celebrity Hunted and Lol: Qui Rit, Sort!. in the region.
The new shows include Academy Award-winning The Artist star Dujardin’s Alphonse, based on an original idea by Dujardin and Bedos and produced by Alain Goldman, who recently signed a deal with Banijay.
The show was positioned by Amazon as a “surprising and funny take on comedy.”
Gastambide’s feature Medellín follows Pablito, a young YouTuber fascinated by Pablo Escobar, who makes his dream come true by flying to the Colombian city to walk in the notorious drug lord’s footsteps. A few days later, a video is posted on social media, showing that Pablito has been kidnapped by a group of dangerous Narcos.
Meanwhile, Federation Entertainment and Yvette Production’s comedy Clasico will be out later...
The new shows include Academy Award-winning The Artist star Dujardin’s Alphonse, based on an original idea by Dujardin and Bedos and produced by Alain Goldman, who recently signed a deal with Banijay.
The show was positioned by Amazon as a “surprising and funny take on comedy.”
Gastambide’s feature Medellín follows Pablito, a young YouTuber fascinated by Pablo Escobar, who makes his dream come true by flying to the Colombian city to walk in the notorious drug lord’s footsteps. A few days later, a video is posted on social media, showing that Pablito has been kidnapped by a group of dangerous Narcos.
Meanwhile, Federation Entertainment and Yvette Production’s comedy Clasico will be out later...
- 4/12/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Alain Goldman, the well-respected French producer of “La Vie en rose” who’s just joined forces with Banijay, has teamed up with Amazon Prime Video on “Alphonse,” a humor-laced series by Nicolas Bedos (“La Belle Epoque”)
The high-concept Prime original series is based on an original idea by Jean Dujardin, the Oscar-winning actor of “The Artist,” and Bedos. It marks the TV debut of Bedos, the Cesar-winning filmmaker of “Monsieur & Madame Adelman” and “La Belle Epoque,” which played out of competition at Cannes in 2019 and sold worldwide
Dujardin will star alongside Pierre Arditi (“La Belle Epoque”), Charlotte Gainsbourg and Nicole Garcia (“Lupin”).
As the series’ teaser poster (pictured above) suggests it, the entire series will unfold in Paris and will showcase some beautiful areas of the French capital.
Although the plot remains under wraps, Goldman revealed that Dujardin will play Alphonse, a chameleon-like man whose main mission is...
The high-concept Prime original series is based on an original idea by Jean Dujardin, the Oscar-winning actor of “The Artist,” and Bedos. It marks the TV debut of Bedos, the Cesar-winning filmmaker of “Monsieur & Madame Adelman” and “La Belle Epoque,” which played out of competition at Cannes in 2019 and sold worldwide
Dujardin will star alongside Pierre Arditi (“La Belle Epoque”), Charlotte Gainsbourg and Nicole Garcia (“Lupin”).
As the series’ teaser poster (pictured above) suggests it, the entire series will unfold in Paris and will showcase some beautiful areas of the French capital.
Although the plot remains under wraps, Goldman revealed that Dujardin will play Alphonse, a chameleon-like man whose main mission is...
- 4/12/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
As competition for the best European talent ramps up, bosses at some of the continent’s biggest production houses are finding U.S. agents tricky to deal with.
According to Christian Vesper, The Hand of God producer Fremantle’s President of Global Drama, agents are chasing too high a price for their clients which fails to “support that nation’s production model,” while Marina Williams, the Co-Founding Partner of Asacha Media Group, said “the price isn’t always acceptable” on these deals and they tend to be more complex than those traditionally struck in Europe.
“We are running into this a lot and you have to argue constantly,” added Vesper.
Local European agents are also grappling with the challenge of landing the biggest streamer shows for their clients and keeping these clients away from the big Hollywood agents as competition grows, according to Federation Entertainment Co-Founder Lionel Uzan.
“If they want to survive,...
According to Christian Vesper, The Hand of God producer Fremantle’s President of Global Drama, agents are chasing too high a price for their clients which fails to “support that nation’s production model,” while Marina Williams, the Co-Founding Partner of Asacha Media Group, said “the price isn’t always acceptable” on these deals and they tend to be more complex than those traditionally struck in Europe.
“We are running into this a lot and you have to argue constantly,” added Vesper.
Local European agents are also grappling with the challenge of landing the biggest streamer shows for their clients and keeping these clients away from the big Hollywood agents as competition grows, according to Federation Entertainment Co-Founder Lionel Uzan.
“If they want to survive,...
- 3/23/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Grøenlandia has made films including ‘Rose Island’ and Sky series ‘Romulus’.
The Paris-based Banijay Group has acquired Italian production company Grøenlandia Group, whose credits include feature Rose Island for Netflix and series Romulus for Sky.
Grøenlandia, run by filmmakers Matteo Rovere and Sydney Siblia, will become part of Banijay’s local business Banijay Italy.
Ascent Film, the film-focused arm of Grøenlandia, will continue operating as part of the company.
Banijay Italy is responsible for shows for Italian broadcaster Rai, Mediaset (Light Of My Eyes) and Amazon.
Founded in 2014, Grøenlandia is behind numerous productions spanning film, documentary and TV, including Romulus And Remus: The First King,...
The Paris-based Banijay Group has acquired Italian production company Grøenlandia Group, whose credits include feature Rose Island for Netflix and series Romulus for Sky.
Grøenlandia, run by filmmakers Matteo Rovere and Sydney Siblia, will become part of Banijay’s local business Banijay Italy.
Ascent Film, the film-focused arm of Grøenlandia, will continue operating as part of the company.
Banijay Italy is responsible for shows for Italian broadcaster Rai, Mediaset (Light Of My Eyes) and Amazon.
Founded in 2014, Grøenlandia is behind numerous productions spanning film, documentary and TV, including Romulus And Remus: The First King,...
- 3/23/2022
- by John Elmes Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
Banijay Buys Italy’s Groenlandia Group, Maker of ‘Romulus’ and ‘The Incredible Story of Rose Island’
Banijay has acquired control of Italy’s expanding Groenlandia Group, which is a producer on ITV’s “Romulus” skein and made recent Netflix Italian original film “The Incredible Story of Rose Island,” among other titles.
The Rome-based company, headed by directors and producers Matteo Rovere and Sydney Sibilia, has been steadily growing since its founding in 2014. Besides “Romulus” — both the film and the TV series which Rovere directed, and “Rose Island,” helmed by Sibilia, Groenlandia’s recent output also includes Leonardo D’Agostini’s widely exported soccer comedy drama “The Champion,” starring Stefano Accorsi, and Ludovico De Martino’s actioner “The Beast,” co-produced with Warner Bros. and now streaming globally on Netflix.
Groenlandia also comprises Ascent Films, founded and managed by Andrea Paris, who will keep operating in the shingle, in which it has had a majority stake since 2014. Ascent is an incubator shingle focused on identifying and establishing new talent.
The Rome-based company, headed by directors and producers Matteo Rovere and Sydney Sibilia, has been steadily growing since its founding in 2014. Besides “Romulus” — both the film and the TV series which Rovere directed, and “Rose Island,” helmed by Sibilia, Groenlandia’s recent output also includes Leonardo D’Agostini’s widely exported soccer comedy drama “The Champion,” starring Stefano Accorsi, and Ludovico De Martino’s actioner “The Beast,” co-produced with Warner Bros. and now streaming globally on Netflix.
Groenlandia also comprises Ascent Films, founded and managed by Andrea Paris, who will keep operating in the shingle, in which it has had a majority stake since 2014. Ascent is an incubator shingle focused on identifying and establishing new talent.
- 3/22/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Banijay has partnered with Alain Goldman, the French producer of “La Vie en rose” to produce premium scripted series and feature films through his two production entities, Pitchipoï Productions and Montmartre Films.
Goldman, whose production company was previously named Legende Films, will work alongside Banijay France.
The French producer had been working with nearly every French film studios, notably Gaumont, and has also been collaborating with streamers such as Netflix with “The Spy,” starring Sacha Baron Cohen, and Amazon Prime with Caroline Vigneaux’s “Flashback” and Mélanie Laurent’s “The Mad Women’s Ball.” Besides “La Vie en Rose,” which earned Marion Cotillard an Oscar, Goldman has also produced “An Officer and a Spy” (2019), “The Connection” (2014) and “The Crimson Rivers” (2000).
“Banijay shares our vision for the company going forward, and their immediate understanding and belief in our ethos makes them the perfect partner for our future,” said Goldman. “Joining a forward-thinking...
Goldman, whose production company was previously named Legende Films, will work alongside Banijay France.
The French producer had been working with nearly every French film studios, notably Gaumont, and has also been collaborating with streamers such as Netflix with “The Spy,” starring Sacha Baron Cohen, and Amazon Prime with Caroline Vigneaux’s “Flashback” and Mélanie Laurent’s “The Mad Women’s Ball.” Besides “La Vie en Rose,” which earned Marion Cotillard an Oscar, Goldman has also produced “An Officer and a Spy” (2019), “The Connection” (2014) and “The Crimson Rivers” (2000).
“Banijay shares our vision for the company going forward, and their immediate understanding and belief in our ethos makes them the perfect partner for our future,” said Goldman. “Joining a forward-thinking...
- 2/11/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
La Vie En Rose and Netflix’s The Spy producer Alain Goldman has signed an overall deal with Banijay for TV shows and feature films.
Goldman will produce projects via his production entities Pitchipoï Productions and Montmartre Films (previously Légende Films) and Banijay France, with a view to creating a pipeline of scripted IP.
The deal is one of the first of its kind from a global super-indie, with this form of ‘golden handcuffs’ arrangement tended to be struck by deep-pocketed streamers and networks.
Goldman is a highly decorated producer, with credits including Oscar-winning La Vie En Rose, 2019’s An Officer And A Spy and 2017’s Edmond. He has also turned his hand to streaming, more recently producing Sacha Baron Cohen’s The Spy for Netflix and Amazon Prime Video’s Flashback.
He is currently working on Cédric Jimenez-directed feature Verde about Ingrid Betancourt and Clara Rojas’ captivity in the Colombian jungle.
Goldman will produce projects via his production entities Pitchipoï Productions and Montmartre Films (previously Légende Films) and Banijay France, with a view to creating a pipeline of scripted IP.
The deal is one of the first of its kind from a global super-indie, with this form of ‘golden handcuffs’ arrangement tended to be struck by deep-pocketed streamers and networks.
Goldman is a highly decorated producer, with credits including Oscar-winning La Vie En Rose, 2019’s An Officer And A Spy and 2017’s Edmond. He has also turned his hand to streaming, more recently producing Sacha Baron Cohen’s The Spy for Netflix and Amazon Prime Video’s Flashback.
He is currently working on Cédric Jimenez-directed feature Verde about Ingrid Betancourt and Clara Rojas’ captivity in the Colombian jungle.
- 2/11/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Hot French helmer Cedric Jimenez, whose latest hit movie “The Stronghold” is nominated for seven Cesar awards, is developing “Verde,” an epic adventure drama revolving around the kidnapping of former Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt and her campaign manager Clara Rojas, who were held captive in the jungle for seven years.
Inspired by a true story like all of Jimenez’s films, “Verde” opens in 2002, when Betancourt — a high-profile French-Colombian senator who was running for president and had vowed to end political corruption — was brutally kidnapped with her campaign manager, Rojas, by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc). The pair were held hostage by the rebel group in the hostile jungle for nearly a decade, along with many other victims of Colombia’s civil war.
Jimenez is writing the script for “Verde” with Olivier Demangel, the co-screenwriter of Mati Diop’s Cannes’ grand prize winner “Atlantics” and Jimenez’s upcoming movie “November,...
Inspired by a true story like all of Jimenez’s films, “Verde” opens in 2002, when Betancourt — a high-profile French-Colombian senator who was running for president and had vowed to end political corruption — was brutally kidnapped with her campaign manager, Rojas, by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc). The pair were held hostage by the rebel group in the hostile jungle for nearly a decade, along with many other victims of Colombia’s civil war.
Jimenez is writing the script for “Verde” with Olivier Demangel, the co-screenwriter of Mati Diop’s Cannes’ grand prize winner “Atlantics” and Jimenez’s upcoming movie “November,...
- 1/27/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Film festival prize-winners with strong North American distribution often have an advantage in the Oscar race for Best International Feature Film (see our 2022 predictions here). In the heated battle over the final selection from France’s Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée, which announced their submission on October 12, Julia Ducournau’s taboo-busting Palme d’Or and TIFF Midnight Madness winner “Titane” emerged as the final pick.
The film beat out rookie Audrey Diwan’s Venice Golden Lion winner, the ’60s drama “Happening” (IFC Films), an immersive look at a high-school achiever’s harrowing experience trying to get an abortion, as well as surprise finalist “Bac Nord,” a slum policier directed by Cédric Jimenez, a French box-office smash with a low profile stateside — which was co-written by rising star Diwan.
The French selection committee included one-year members — auteurs Florian Zeller and Julie Delpy, ex-WarnerMedia senior executive Iris Knobloch,...
The film beat out rookie Audrey Diwan’s Venice Golden Lion winner, the ’60s drama “Happening” (IFC Films), an immersive look at a high-school achiever’s harrowing experience trying to get an abortion, as well as surprise finalist “Bac Nord,” a slum policier directed by Cédric Jimenez, a French box-office smash with a low profile stateside — which was co-written by rising star Diwan.
The French selection committee included one-year members — auteurs Florian Zeller and Julie Delpy, ex-WarnerMedia senior executive Iris Knobloch,...
- 10/12/2021
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Film festival prize-winners with strong North American distribution often have an advantage in the Oscar race for Best International Feature Film (see our 2022 predictions here). In the heated battle over the final selection from France’s Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée, which announced their submission on October 12, Julia Ducournau’s taboo-busting Palme d’Or and TIFF Midnight Madness winner “Titane” emerged as the final pick.
The film beat out rookie Audrey Diwan’s Venice Golden Lion winner, the ’60s drama “Happening” (IFC Films), an immersive look at a high-school achiever’s harrowing experience trying to get an abortion, as well as surprise finalist “Bac Nord,” a slum policier directed by Cédric Jimenez, a French box-office smash with a low profile stateside — which was co-written by rising star Diwan.
The French selection committee included one-year members — auteurs Florian Zeller and Julie Delpy, ex-WarnerMedia senior executive Iris Knobloch,...
The film beat out rookie Audrey Diwan’s Venice Golden Lion winner, the ’60s drama “Happening” (IFC Films), an immersive look at a high-school achiever’s harrowing experience trying to get an abortion, as well as surprise finalist “Bac Nord,” a slum policier directed by Cédric Jimenez, a French box-office smash with a low profile stateside — which was co-written by rising star Diwan.
The French selection committee included one-year members — auteurs Florian Zeller and Julie Delpy, ex-WarnerMedia senior executive Iris Knobloch,...
- 10/12/2021
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Film was among three films shortlisted to be the French submission alongside Happening and Bac Nord.
Julia Ducournau’s Cannes Palme d’Or winner Titane will be France’s submission to the best international film category for the 2022 Oscars.
It was among three films shortlisted in the country’s two-part selection process alongside Audrey Diwan’s Venice Golden Lion winner Happening and Cédric Jimenez’s box office hit Bac Nord (aka The Stronghold).
The genre-bending thriller is lead produced by Jean-Christophe Reymond at Kazak Productions in co-production with Belgium’s Frakas Productions, Arte Cinema France and Belgian pay-tv companies Voo and BeTV.
Julia Ducournau’s Cannes Palme d’Or winner Titane will be France’s submission to the best international film category for the 2022 Oscars.
It was among three films shortlisted in the country’s two-part selection process alongside Audrey Diwan’s Venice Golden Lion winner Happening and Cédric Jimenez’s box office hit Bac Nord (aka The Stronghold).
The genre-bending thriller is lead produced by Jean-Christophe Reymond at Kazak Productions in co-production with Belgium’s Frakas Productions, Arte Cinema France and Belgian pay-tv companies Voo and BeTV.
- 10/12/2021
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- ScreenDaily
France’s Oscar selection committee has shortlisted three titles as the country’s potential submission for the International Feature Oscar race. They include Audrey Diwan’s Venice Golden Lion winner L’Evénement (Happening), Julia Ducournau’s Cannes Palme d’Or laureate Titane and Cédric Jiminez’s Bac Nord (The Stronghold) which ran out of competition on the Riviera in July.
The two major prizewinners, Happening and Titane, were expected to figure among the group which will now be whittled down with the official entry announced on October 12.
Titane was released locally by Diaphana Distribution in July after making history as only the second film directed by a woman to win the top Cannes honor. Neon has domestic. The story follows a series of unexplained crimes; a father is reunited with the son who has been missing for 10 years. In its logline, it is also billed as “Titane : A metal...
The two major prizewinners, Happening and Titane, were expected to figure among the group which will now be whittled down with the official entry announced on October 12.
Titane was released locally by Diaphana Distribution in July after making history as only the second film directed by a woman to win the top Cannes honor. Neon has domestic. The story follows a series of unexplained crimes; a father is reunited with the son who has been missing for 10 years. In its logline, it is also billed as “Titane : A metal...
- 10/7/2021
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Audrey Diwan’s Venice winner and timely abortion drama “Happening,” Julia Ducournau’s Cannes Palme d’Or-winning horror film “Titane,” and Cedric Jimenez’s cop thriller “Bac Nord” have been shortlisted by France’s Oscar committee. The French Oscar candidate is expected to be selected next Tuesday.
It’s a milestone year for French cinema and female directors, who won the top prizes at the biggest international film festivals, Cannes and Venice. Some other big-name directors were rumored to be in the pipeline for consideration, notably Xavier Giannoli with “Lost Illusions,” Celine Sciamma with “Petite Maman” and Jacques Audiard with “Paris, 13th District.” It turns out, however, that neither of them entered the race, letting “Happening” and “Titane” take center stage.
“Bac Nord,” which is co-written by Diwan, was pushed by Netflix and the movie’s French co-producer/distributor StudioCanal. An unlikely candidate for the international feature film race, the star-studded thriller opened at Cannes,...
It’s a milestone year for French cinema and female directors, who won the top prizes at the biggest international film festivals, Cannes and Venice. Some other big-name directors were rumored to be in the pipeline for consideration, notably Xavier Giannoli with “Lost Illusions,” Celine Sciamma with “Petite Maman” and Jacques Audiard with “Paris, 13th District.” It turns out, however, that neither of them entered the race, letting “Happening” and “Titane” take center stage.
“Bac Nord,” which is co-written by Diwan, was pushed by Netflix and the movie’s French co-producer/distributor StudioCanal. An unlikely candidate for the international feature film race, the star-studded thriller opened at Cannes,...
- 10/7/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
The final decision on which film will be France’s Oscar candidate will be taken on October 12.
Julia Ducournau’s Cannes Palme d’Or winner Titane, Audrey Diwan’s Venice Golden Lion winner Happening and Cédric Jimenez’s box office hit Bac Nord have made it onto the shortlist to be France’s submission to the best international feature film category of the 2022 Oscars.
Under the selection two-part selection process, the producers and sales agents of the pre-selected films will present their Oscar campaign plans to France’s Oscar selection committee on October 12, ahead of the final decision.
Titane is...
Julia Ducournau’s Cannes Palme d’Or winner Titane, Audrey Diwan’s Venice Golden Lion winner Happening and Cédric Jimenez’s box office hit Bac Nord have made it onto the shortlist to be France’s submission to the best international feature film category of the 2022 Oscars.
Under the selection two-part selection process, the producers and sales agents of the pre-selected films will present their Oscar campaign plans to France’s Oscar selection committee on October 12, ahead of the final decision.
Titane is...
- 10/7/2021
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- ScreenDaily
Melanie Laurent, one of France’s most acclaimed actors-turned-filmmakers, has been having a banner 2021, headlining Alexandre Aja’s hit Netflix movie “Oxygene,” sitting on Spike Lee’s Cannes jury, and world premiering her sixth directorial effort “The Mad Women’s Ball” at Toronto. The ambitious period movie marks Amazon’s first French movie original.
Laurent shot the film when her long-gestated Sony project “The Nightingale” with Elle Fanning and Dakota Fanning saw its production halted due to the pandemic.
Based on Victoria Mas’ award-winning novel “Le Bal des folles,” “The Mad Women’s Ball” takes place at the end of the 19th century in Paris, at a time when women deemed too rebellious or difficult were frequently labeled as insane and institutionalized. The action unfolds at the Salpêtrière hospital where such women, diagnosed with different kinds of nervous system disorders, were confined and put under the supervision of neurologists such as Jean-Martin Charcot.
Laurent shot the film when her long-gestated Sony project “The Nightingale” with Elle Fanning and Dakota Fanning saw its production halted due to the pandemic.
Based on Victoria Mas’ award-winning novel “Le Bal des folles,” “The Mad Women’s Ball” takes place at the end of the 19th century in Paris, at a time when women deemed too rebellious or difficult were frequently labeled as insane and institutionalized. The action unfolds at the Salpêtrière hospital where such women, diagnosed with different kinds of nervous system disorders, were confined and put under the supervision of neurologists such as Jean-Martin Charcot.
- 9/12/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon Prime Video France today published details of its upcoming slate of productions, including four new originals:
Greek Salad is a contemporary sequel to the movie trilogy L’Auberge Espagnole (Pot Luck), 20 years after the originals. It follows the lives of Tom and Mia (the children of Xavier and Wendy from L’Auberge Espagnole) as they embark on a new adventure in Athens. The eight episode series is created by Cédric Klapisch, with Lola Doillon and Antoine Garceau (Call my Agent). The show will be co-produced by Bruno Levy for Ce Qui Me Meut and will launch exclusively on Prime Video in 2022.
Flashback is the second Amazon original movie produced in France. This one is a time travel comedy starring comedian Caroline Vigneaux, with Sophia Aram, Suzanne Clément, Lison Daniel, Gad Elmaleh, Lannick Gautry, Emy Ltr, Florent Peyre and Sylvie Testud. It is produced by Alain Goldman for Legende Films and...
Greek Salad is a contemporary sequel to the movie trilogy L’Auberge Espagnole (Pot Luck), 20 years after the originals. It follows the lives of Tom and Mia (the children of Xavier and Wendy from L’Auberge Espagnole) as they embark on a new adventure in Athens. The eight episode series is created by Cédric Klapisch, with Lola Doillon and Antoine Garceau (Call my Agent). The show will be co-produced by Bruno Levy for Ce Qui Me Meut and will launch exclusively on Prime Video in 2022.
Flashback is the second Amazon original movie produced in France. This one is a time travel comedy starring comedian Caroline Vigneaux, with Sophia Aram, Suzanne Clément, Lison Daniel, Gad Elmaleh, Lannick Gautry, Emy Ltr, Florent Peyre and Sylvie Testud. It is produced by Alain Goldman for Legende Films and...
- 3/22/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
New slate includes projects spearheaded by filmmaker Cédric Klapisch and Ballsy Girl actress Melha Bedia.
Amazon Prime Video has unveiled a slate of French original productions, including Cédric Klapisch’s drama series Greek Salad, a spin-off of his 2002 hit feature Pot Luck (L’Auberge Espagnole), about a group of students from across Europe living in a flat in Barcelona together.
The new series follows the lives of the children of two of the original characters as they embark on a new adventure in Athens.
Kaplisch has created the eight-episode drama with Lola Doillon and Antoine Garceau, who both took credits (like...
Amazon Prime Video has unveiled a slate of French original productions, including Cédric Klapisch’s drama series Greek Salad, a spin-off of his 2002 hit feature Pot Luck (L’Auberge Espagnole), about a group of students from across Europe living in a flat in Barcelona together.
The new series follows the lives of the children of two of the original characters as they embark on a new adventure in Athens.
Kaplisch has created the eight-episode drama with Lola Doillon and Antoine Garceau, who both took credits (like...
- 3/22/2021
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- ScreenDaily
New slate includes projects spearhead by filmmaker Cédric Klapisch and Ballsy Girl actress Melha Bedia.
Amazon Prime Video has unveiled a new slate of French original productions, including Cédric Klapisch’s drama Greek Salad, a spin-off of his 2002 hit feature Pot Luck (L’Auberge Espagnole), about a group of students from across Europe living in a flat in Barcelona together.
The new series follows the lives of the children of two of the original characters as they embark on a new adventure in Athens.
Kaplisch has created the eight-episode drama with Lola Doillon and Antoine Garceau, who both took credits (like...
Amazon Prime Video has unveiled a new slate of French original productions, including Cédric Klapisch’s drama Greek Salad, a spin-off of his 2002 hit feature Pot Luck (L’Auberge Espagnole), about a group of students from across Europe living in a flat in Barcelona together.
The new series follows the lives of the children of two of the original characters as they embark on a new adventure in Athens.
Kaplisch has created the eight-episode drama with Lola Doillon and Antoine Garceau, who both took credits (like...
- 3/22/2021
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- ScreenDaily
Amazon Prime Video France has unveiled a slate of originals, including Cedric Klapisch’s “Greek Salad” — a series sequel to the “L’Auberge Espanole” trilogy — Melanie Laurent’s “Le Bal des Folles,” as well as live sports such as the tennis tournament Roland Garros, and adaptations of popular unscripted formats such as “Lol” and “Celebrity Hunted.” All titles will roll out on the streaming service later this year.
The programs were presented during a virtual press conference on Monday hosted by Georgia Brown, director of European Originals; Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios; Thomas Dubois, head of French Amazon Originals at Amazon Studios, Isabelle Bertrand, head of content for Amazon Prime Video France; and Alex Green, managing director of sport at Amazon Prime Video.
“Greek Salad” will be set in Athens, Greece, and follow the children of Xavier and Wendy, who were played by Romain Duris and Kelly Reilly, respectively,...
The programs were presented during a virtual press conference on Monday hosted by Georgia Brown, director of European Originals; Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios; Thomas Dubois, head of French Amazon Originals at Amazon Studios, Isabelle Bertrand, head of content for Amazon Prime Video France; and Alex Green, managing director of sport at Amazon Prime Video.
“Greek Salad” will be set in Athens, Greece, and follow the children of Xavier and Wendy, who were played by Romain Duris and Kelly Reilly, respectively,...
- 3/22/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Iconic French comic book character Asterix is all set for a new chapter on Netflix along with French director, screenwriter and actor Alain Chabat.
The streamer is partnering with leading French publisher Hachette’s Les Editions Albert René to create a 3D animated limited series based on the classic. Chabat will direct and Alain Goldman of Legende Films will produce.
The series, which will be based on “Asterix and the Big Fight,” will debut in 2023.
Chabat wrote and directed “Mission Cléopâtre” (2002), the most successful of Asterix’s numerous appearances on screen and the third highest-grossing feature film in French history.
“I’m French Canadian, and like most francophones around the world, I grew up with Asterix, his sidekick Obelix and loyal companion Dogmatix,” wrote Dominique Bazay, director, original animation at Netflix, on the streamer’s blog. “I watched the animated specials and read the books religiously. If you’d told...
The streamer is partnering with leading French publisher Hachette’s Les Editions Albert René to create a 3D animated limited series based on the classic. Chabat will direct and Alain Goldman of Legende Films will produce.
The series, which will be based on “Asterix and the Big Fight,” will debut in 2023.
Chabat wrote and directed “Mission Cléopâtre” (2002), the most successful of Asterix’s numerous appearances on screen and the third highest-grossing feature film in French history.
“I’m French Canadian, and like most francophones around the world, I grew up with Asterix, his sidekick Obelix and loyal companion Dogmatix,” wrote Dominique Bazay, director, original animation at Netflix, on the streamer’s blog. “I watched the animated specials and read the books religiously. If you’d told...
- 3/3/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon Prime Video has boarded Melanie Laurent’s anticipated period mystery thriller “Le bal des folles” as its first Original movie in France.
“Le bal des folles” is produced by Alain Goldman and Axelle Boucaï at Legende Films. Amazon Prime Video will launch the film exclusively in France and around the world in 2021.
The movie will start shooting next week in Rochefort, in western France. Penned by Laurent and Christophe Deslandes, “Le bal des folles” is based on the award-wining novel of the same name by Victoria Mas.
The film takes place at the end of the 19th century in Paris, at a time when women deemed too rebellious or difficult were frequently labeled as insane and institutionalized. The action unfolds at the Salpêtrière hospital where such women, diagnosed with different kinds of nervous system disorders, were confined and put under the supervision of neurologists such as Jean-Martin Charcot. Each year,...
“Le bal des folles” is produced by Alain Goldman and Axelle Boucaï at Legende Films. Amazon Prime Video will launch the film exclusively in France and around the world in 2021.
The movie will start shooting next week in Rochefort, in western France. Penned by Laurent and Christophe Deslandes, “Le bal des folles” is based on the award-wining novel of the same name by Victoria Mas.
The film takes place at the end of the 19th century in Paris, at a time when women deemed too rebellious or difficult were frequently labeled as insane and institutionalized. The action unfolds at the Salpêtrière hospital where such women, diagnosed with different kinds of nervous system disorders, were confined and put under the supervision of neurologists such as Jean-Martin Charcot. Each year,...
- 11/12/2020
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Gaumont has acquired French distribution and international sales rights to Melanie Laurent’s period mystery thriller “The Mad Women’s Ball” which is being produced by Alain Goldman’s Legende Films.
Based on the award-wining novel by Victoria Mas “Le Bal des folles,” “The Mad Women’s Ball” will be headlined by up-and-coming French actress Lou de Laâge (pictured) and Laurent, the popular actress of “Inglorious Basterds,” “Enemy,” and most recently “6 Underground” and “Operation Finale.”
The pair last worked on Laurent’s critically acclaimed feature debut “Breathe” which world premiered at Cannes’ Critics Week in 2014. Now a well-established helmer, Laurent is getting reading to shoot the WW2 drama “The Nightingale” with Elle and Dakota Fanning.
The story of “The Mad Women’s Ball” takes place at the end of the 19th century in Paris, at a time when women deemed too rebellious or difficult were frequently labeled as insane and institutionalized.
Based on the award-wining novel by Victoria Mas “Le Bal des folles,” “The Mad Women’s Ball” will be headlined by up-and-coming French actress Lou de Laâge (pictured) and Laurent, the popular actress of “Inglorious Basterds,” “Enemy,” and most recently “6 Underground” and “Operation Finale.”
The pair last worked on Laurent’s critically acclaimed feature debut “Breathe” which world premiered at Cannes’ Critics Week in 2014. Now a well-established helmer, Laurent is getting reading to shoot the WW2 drama “The Nightingale” with Elle and Dakota Fanning.
The story of “The Mad Women’s Ball” takes place at the end of the 19th century in Paris, at a time when women deemed too rebellious or difficult were frequently labeled as insane and institutionalized.
- 6/15/2020
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Lea Seydoux, the French star of Wes Anderson’s “The French Dispatch,” will headline “Party of Fools” (“Le Bal des Folles”), a high-profile period drama-thriller to be directed by Arnaud des Pallières.
The female-driven movie is produced by two of France’s biggest producers, Philippe Rousselet and Jonathan Blumental, at the Paris-based company Prelude. The pair previously teamed on Michel Hazanavicius’s “The Lost Prince” with Omar Sy.
“Party of Fools,” which is the first high-profile, big-budget project to be announced since the start of the coronavirus crisis, is expected to begin shooting at the end of 2020 or early 2021.
Written for the screen by Arnaud des Pallières and Christelle Berthevas, the film is set during the Paris Carnival in 1893 and is based on true historical events and characters. It takes place at the Pitié Salpétrière mental institution for women, which is rendered the epicenter of an elaborate ball where politicians,...
The female-driven movie is produced by two of France’s biggest producers, Philippe Rousselet and Jonathan Blumental, at the Paris-based company Prelude. The pair previously teamed on Michel Hazanavicius’s “The Lost Prince” with Omar Sy.
“Party of Fools,” which is the first high-profile, big-budget project to be announced since the start of the coronavirus crisis, is expected to begin shooting at the end of 2020 or early 2021.
Written for the screen by Arnaud des Pallières and Christelle Berthevas, the film is set during the Paris Carnival in 1893 and is based on true historical events and characters. It takes place at the Pitié Salpétrière mental institution for women, which is rendered the epicenter of an elaborate ball where politicians,...
- 6/2/2020
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.