Exclusive: New York-based distributor Metrograph Pictures has acquired North American rights to French director Jérémy Clapin’s sci-fi drama Meanwhile on Earth following its world premiere in the Berlinale’s Panorama section last month.
The lost sibling tale marks the first live-action feature for Clapin after his 2019 Oscar-nominated, Netflix-acquired animated movie I Lost My Body, which originally world premiered in Cannes Critics’ Week and also won the Cristal for Best film at the Annecy International Animation Festival in 2019
The drama follows a young woman who is struggling to come to terms with the disappearance of her brother, an astronaut who vanished during his first mission.
While stargazing one night, she is shocked to receive contact from her him, but her joy is short-lived when she learns of the dark and troubling forces behind his reappearance, forcing her to confront the lengths she will go for the brother she once feared was gone forever.
The lost sibling tale marks the first live-action feature for Clapin after his 2019 Oscar-nominated, Netflix-acquired animated movie I Lost My Body, which originally world premiered in Cannes Critics’ Week and also won the Cristal for Best film at the Annecy International Animation Festival in 2019
The drama follows a young woman who is struggling to come to terms with the disappearance of her brother, an astronaut who vanished during his first mission.
While stargazing one night, she is shocked to receive contact from her him, but her joy is short-lived when she learns of the dark and troubling forces behind his reappearance, forcing her to confront the lengths she will go for the brother she once feared was gone forever.
- 3/8/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Originally developed as an eight-episode series, the maritime adventure “Lucy Lost” will instead hit the silver screen now that Paris-based powerhouse Xilam Animation has retooled the project as a feature. “Klaus” alum Olivier Clert has boarded as co-writer and director, joining BAFTA-winning screenwriter Helen Blakeman for a seaside family tale adapted from “War Horse” author Michael Morpurgo’s 2014 novel “Listen to the Moon.”
Xilam has shared this first-look with Variety ahead of the reformatted project’s pitch at Cartoon Movie in Bordeaux.
Set on the Isles of Scilly just off the Cornish coast, the film follows a young girl named Lucy raised by a clan of fishermen she knows not to be hers. However, she remembers little else about her past, and as a terrible war rages off in the distance, a chance encounter with the mysterious girl her own age soon helps Lucy put back the pieces of her...
Xilam has shared this first-look with Variety ahead of the reformatted project’s pitch at Cartoon Movie in Bordeaux.
Set on the Isles of Scilly just off the Cornish coast, the film follows a young girl named Lucy raised by a clan of fishermen she knows not to be hers. However, she remembers little else about her past, and as a terrible war rages off in the distance, a chance encounter with the mysterious girl her own age soon helps Lucy put back the pieces of her...
- 3/5/2024
- by Ben Croll
- Variety Film + TV
Zack Snyder has been a busy boy since his guardianship of the DC movie universe came to an end following principal photography on "Justice League." Though he eventually returned to finish his version of that film, the multi-hyphenate filmmaker has since settled in firmly at Netflix and is focusing on original stories rather than pre-existing franchises. Among these projects is "Twilight of the Gods," a 2D animated action series based on Norse mythology.
The project marks another return to Snyder's filmmaking roots. He made his feature directorial debut in 2004 with the very well-received remake of George Romero's "Dawn of the Dead," and his first project for Netflix was the Las Vegas-set undead action horror "Army of the Dead." Snyder's second feature-length film debuted back in 2006 and secured his status as a rising talent to watch: the epic historical war movie "300," inspired by the legendary Battle of Thermopylae. "Twilight of the Gods...
The project marks another return to Snyder's filmmaking roots. He made his feature directorial debut in 2004 with the very well-received remake of George Romero's "Dawn of the Dead," and his first project for Netflix was the Las Vegas-set undead action horror "Army of the Dead." Snyder's second feature-length film debuted back in 2006 and secured his status as a rising talent to watch: the epic historical war movie "300," inspired by the legendary Battle of Thermopylae. "Twilight of the Gods...
- 5/7/2023
- by Hannah Shaw-Williams
- Slash Film
Zack Snyder’s next project with Netflix will be an anime series based on Norse mythology titled Twilight of the Gods. Snyder has co-created the anime and will be directing two episodes of the series. According to Deadline, Snyder will be working with the company Xilam Animation on the show. Xilam Animation is responsible for such projects as Oggy and the Cockroaches, Zig & Sharko, and Chip ‘n’ Dale: Park Life for Disney+, all of which they’ve created and produced.
Marc du Pontavice, founder and CEO of Xilam Animation, has expressed his excitement with the upcoming collaboration, “We’re so proud to be working with the team at Stone Quarry, including iconic creator and director Zack Snyder. And we’re also deeply grateful to Netflix for trusting us to bring his spectacular vision to life. We’ll be utilising state of the art 2D animation across the series, which will...
Marc du Pontavice, founder and CEO of Xilam Animation, has expressed his excitement with the upcoming collaboration, “We’re so proud to be working with the team at Stone Quarry, including iconic creator and director Zack Snyder. And we’re also deeply grateful to Netflix for trusting us to bring his spectacular vision to life. We’ll be utilising state of the art 2D animation across the series, which will...
- 5/3/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Oscar-nominated Xilam Animation will serve as animation studio for Zack Snyder’s upcoming epic 2D animated action series Twilight of the Gods.
Set in the world of Norse mythology, the series is created by Snyder, who directs two episodes, Jay Olivia, who also directs, and Eric Carrasco. Series is executive produced by Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder and Wesley Coller, and produced by Zack and Deborah Snyder’s production company The Stone Quarry. Carrasco also serves as producer.
Xilam’s animation services on the animated series will include lay-out, colour Bg, animation and compositing.
“We’re so proud to be working with the team at Stone Quarry, including iconic creator and director Zack Snyder. And we’re also deeply grateful to Netflix for trusting us to bring his spectacular vision to life,” said Marc du Pontavice, Founder and CEO at Xilam Animation. “We’ll be utilising state of the art 2D animation across the series,...
Set in the world of Norse mythology, the series is created by Snyder, who directs two episodes, Jay Olivia, who also directs, and Eric Carrasco. Series is executive produced by Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder and Wesley Coller, and produced by Zack and Deborah Snyder’s production company The Stone Quarry. Carrasco also serves as producer.
Xilam’s animation services on the animated series will include lay-out, colour Bg, animation and compositing.
“We’re so proud to be working with the team at Stone Quarry, including iconic creator and director Zack Snyder. And we’re also deeply grateful to Netflix for trusting us to bring his spectacular vision to life,” said Marc du Pontavice, Founder and CEO at Xilam Animation. “We’ll be utilising state of the art 2D animation across the series,...
- 5/3/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Xilam Animation will serve as animation studio on Zack Snyder’s upcoming Netflix series “Twilight of the Gods.”
The series was originally announced in 2019. Little is known about the plot other than it will ancient Norse mythology. The voice cast includes: Sylvia Hoeks, Stuart Martin, Pilou Asbaek, John Noble, Paterson Joseph, Rahul Kohli, Jamie Clayton, Kristopher Hivju, Peter Stormare, Jamie Chung, Lauren Cohan, and Corey Stroll. The series does not yet have a premiere date.
Xilam’s animation services on the animated series will include lay-out, colour Bg, animation and compositing. The studio’s past credits include the Oscar-nominated feature “I Lost My Body” as well as shows like “Oggy and the Cockroaches,” “Zig & Sharko,” and “Chip ‘n’ Dale: Park Life.”
“We’re so proud to be working with the team at Stone Quarry, including iconic creator and director Zack Snyder,” said Marc du Pontavice, founder and CEO at Xilam Animation.
The series was originally announced in 2019. Little is known about the plot other than it will ancient Norse mythology. The voice cast includes: Sylvia Hoeks, Stuart Martin, Pilou Asbaek, John Noble, Paterson Joseph, Rahul Kohli, Jamie Clayton, Kristopher Hivju, Peter Stormare, Jamie Chung, Lauren Cohan, and Corey Stroll. The series does not yet have a premiere date.
Xilam’s animation services on the animated series will include lay-out, colour Bg, animation and compositing. The studio’s past credits include the Oscar-nominated feature “I Lost My Body” as well as shows like “Oggy and the Cockroaches,” “Zig & Sharko,” and “Chip ‘n’ Dale: Park Life.”
“We’re so proud to be working with the team at Stone Quarry, including iconic creator and director Zack Snyder,” said Marc du Pontavice, founder and CEO at Xilam Animation.
- 5/3/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
French animation group Xilam is presenting an ambitious lineup at the Unifrance Rendez-Vous With French Cinema in Paris, with a strong emphasis on comedy, including its first slapstick CGI comedy for kids, “Karate Sheep.”
The show is about an enthusiastic sheep, Trico, who causes mayhem in his flock by sharing new objects and ideas, with a lurking wolf waiting to pounce.
It is created by Hugo Gittard, and directed by Cédric Dietsch and Renaud Martin
The series has been pre-brought by Super Rtl and Netflix and is screening on Super Rtl. In December it was made available on Germany’s Toggo app, aimed at children from 2 to 14 years. Netflix will launch the show this spring.
“Terrestrial rights will become available early 2023, which is why we’re giving it a promotional and commercial focus during the Unifrance Rendez-Vous,” explains Morgann Favennec, Xilam’s executive vice president of distribution. “We received extremely positive first feedback at Mipcom.
The show is about an enthusiastic sheep, Trico, who causes mayhem in his flock by sharing new objects and ideas, with a lurking wolf waiting to pounce.
It is created by Hugo Gittard, and directed by Cédric Dietsch and Renaud Martin
The series has been pre-brought by Super Rtl and Netflix and is screening on Super Rtl. In December it was made available on Germany’s Toggo app, aimed at children from 2 to 14 years. Netflix will launch the show this spring.
“Terrestrial rights will become available early 2023, which is why we’re giving it a promotional and commercial focus during the Unifrance Rendez-Vous,” explains Morgann Favennec, Xilam’s executive vice president of distribution. “We received extremely positive first feedback at Mipcom.
- 1/14/2023
- by Martin Dale
- Variety Film + TV
Pendant ce temps sur Terre
Jérémy Clapin made a huge splash with his debut film J’ai perdu mon corps (the animated film premiered in the Cannes Critic’s Week in 2019) – but for his sophomore film he moved into live action with a cast comprised of Wim Willaert, Sofia Lesaffre, Megan Northam and Catherine Salée. Production on Pendant ce temps sur Terre (aka Meanwhile On Earth) took place in August of last year in the region of Clermont-Ferrand. Clapin reteams with producer One World Films’ Marc du Pontavice.
Gist: This revolves around an “absent” hero: an astronaut lost in the emptiness of space.…...
Jérémy Clapin made a huge splash with his debut film J’ai perdu mon corps (the animated film premiered in the Cannes Critic’s Week in 2019) – but for his sophomore film he moved into live action with a cast comprised of Wim Willaert, Sofia Lesaffre, Megan Northam and Catherine Salée. Production on Pendant ce temps sur Terre (aka Meanwhile On Earth) took place in August of last year in the region of Clermont-Ferrand. Clapin reteams with producer One World Films’ Marc du Pontavice.
Gist: This revolves around an “absent” hero: an astronaut lost in the emptiness of space.…...
- 1/13/2023
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
After making a name for himself for a rather inventive (animated) tale of young love and true yearning, I Lost My Body filmmaker Jérémy Clapin is getting a bit more “hands-on” with his sophomore feature. Cineuropa reports that production has already began on Pendant ce temps sur Terre (which translates as meanwhile on earth) – with a cast comprised of Megan Northam, Sofia Lesaffre, Catherine Salée, Wim Willaert, Roman Williams. We had just reported on Megan Northam joining Mareike Engelhardt’s Rabia – which the actress will shoot next. Filming takes place in France, and Belgium. One World Films’ Marc du Pontavice is producing.…...
- 10/13/2022
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
Disney will unveil a raft of new animated series productions Wednesday at the Annecy Intl. Animation Film Festival, and show sneak peeks of the upcoming slate of new original animated shows to air on Disney+ and other Disney-owned platforms in 2023 and beyond.
Highlights include second season greenlights for hit Disney+ series “Monsters at Work” and “Chip ‘n’ Dale: Park Life,” and seasons three for “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends” and “Mickey Mouse Funhouse.”
Additional episode orders for some of Disney Television Animation’s upcoming series, including “Hamster & Gretel,” “Kiff,” “Hailey’s On It” and “Primos” will also be announced.
“The announcements out of Annecy today further cement Disney as the leader in animation,” said Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television. “These new series represent the very best from our teams at Disney Television Animation and Disney Junior. They build upon Disney Branded Television’s commitment to work with incredible storytellers,...
Highlights include second season greenlights for hit Disney+ series “Monsters at Work” and “Chip ‘n’ Dale: Park Life,” and seasons three for “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends” and “Mickey Mouse Funhouse.”
Additional episode orders for some of Disney Television Animation’s upcoming series, including “Hamster & Gretel,” “Kiff,” “Hailey’s On It” and “Primos” will also be announced.
“The announcements out of Annecy today further cement Disney as the leader in animation,” said Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television. “These new series represent the very best from our teams at Disney Television Animation and Disney Junior. They build upon Disney Branded Television’s commitment to work with incredible storytellers,...
- 6/15/2022
- by Lise Pedersen
- Variety Film + TV
Disney Emea hosted its annual Studio Focus at this year’s Annecy Animation Festival, lamentably pre-recorded for the second edition in a row, where the company announced a pair of new African series, the sci-fi anthology series “Kizazi Moto: Generation of Fire” led by “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” co-director Peter Ramsey, and a musical kids show titled “Kiff” from South Africa.
“This year’s fest is about celebrating African animation,” said Orion Ross, VP of original programming and animation for Disney Emea. “We would like to start with how Disney is embracing the vast talent from this continent.”
Each of the shorts in “Kizazi Moto” was created to answer one question: “What does African future look like from an African perspective?”
When discussing his involvement, Ramsey recalled a visit to the Cape Town Animation Festival where he was “blown away, reinvigorated by the people, work, the industry. There was the...
“This year’s fest is about celebrating African animation,” said Orion Ross, VP of original programming and animation for Disney Emea. “We would like to start with how Disney is embracing the vast talent from this continent.”
Each of the shorts in “Kizazi Moto” was created to answer one question: “What does African future look like from an African perspective?”
When discussing his involvement, Ramsey recalled a visit to the Cape Town Animation Festival where he was “blown away, reinvigorated by the people, work, the industry. There was the...
- 6/17/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Disney+ has set spring and summer premiere dates for and released first-look photos for new series Turner & Hooch, The Mysterious Benedict Society and Chip ‘N Dale: Park Life and the second season of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
Here are the premiere dates in chronological order, with series descriptions and first-look photos:
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series: Season 2
In Season 2, the East High Wildcats, who are preparing to perform Beauty and the Beast as their spring musical, face off against rival school North High to win a prestigious and cutthroat student theater competition. Wigs are snatched, loyalties are tested, and ballads are belted. The season also features new solos written by Olivia Rodrigo and Joshua Bassett.
Disney+ Sets Premiere Dates For ‘Star Wars: The Bad Batch’ And Marvel Studios’ ‘Loki’
The series stars Olivia Rodrigo, Joshua Bassett, Sofia Wylie, Matt Cornett, Larry Saperstein,...
Here are the premiere dates in chronological order, with series descriptions and first-look photos:
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series: Season 2
In Season 2, the East High Wildcats, who are preparing to perform Beauty and the Beast as their spring musical, face off against rival school North High to win a prestigious and cutthroat student theater competition. Wigs are snatched, loyalties are tested, and ballads are belted. The season also features new solos written by Olivia Rodrigo and Joshua Bassett.
Disney+ Sets Premiere Dates For ‘Star Wars: The Bad Batch’ And Marvel Studios’ ‘Loki’
The series stars Olivia Rodrigo, Joshua Bassett, Sofia Wylie, Matt Cornett, Larry Saperstein,...
- 2/24/2021
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Filippo Meneghetti’s feature debut “Two of Us” will represent France in the race for the best international feature film award at the Oscars.
“Two of Us” was selected over Maiwenn’s “DNA,” François Ozon’s “Summer 85,” Fanny Liatard and Jérémy Trouilh’s “Gagarine” and Maïmouna Doucouré’s “Cuties” which were short-listed.
“Two of Us” was released in France on Feb. 12 and was represented in international markets by The Party Film Sales. Magnolia Pictures acquired North American rights to the film and is planning to release it on Feb. 5.
The films follows two older women, played by Barbara Sukowa and Martine Chevallier, who live across the hall from each other in the same apartment building but have kept their romance hidden for decades.
The film held its world premiere as part of the Toronto International Film Festival’s Discovery program. Mark Keizer said in his review for Variety that the...
“Two of Us” was selected over Maiwenn’s “DNA,” François Ozon’s “Summer 85,” Fanny Liatard and Jérémy Trouilh’s “Gagarine” and Maïmouna Doucouré’s “Cuties” which were short-listed.
“Two of Us” was released in France on Feb. 12 and was represented in international markets by The Party Film Sales. Magnolia Pictures acquired North American rights to the film and is planning to release it on Feb. 5.
The films follows two older women, played by Barbara Sukowa and Martine Chevallier, who live across the hall from each other in the same apartment building but have kept their romance hidden for decades.
The film held its world premiere as part of the Toronto International Film Festival’s Discovery program. Mark Keizer said in his review for Variety that the...
- 11/19/2020
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Magnolia has US rights for the film which premiered in Toronto in 2019.
France has selected Italian director Filippo Meneghetti’s drama Two Of Us as its submission for the best international film category of the 2021 Oscars.
The France-set drama stars Barbara Sukowa and Martine Chevallier as a lesbian couple facing up to the challenge of coming out after two decades of secret passion and companionship.
It was produced by France’s Paprika Films, Luxembourg’s Tarantula and Belgium’s Artémis Productions. The Party Film Sales handles international rights.
It premiered at Toronto in 2019 where Magnolia took US rights.
The distributor...
France has selected Italian director Filippo Meneghetti’s drama Two Of Us as its submission for the best international film category of the 2021 Oscars.
The France-set drama stars Barbara Sukowa and Martine Chevallier as a lesbian couple facing up to the challenge of coming out after two decades of secret passion and companionship.
It was produced by France’s Paprika Films, Luxembourg’s Tarantula and Belgium’s Artémis Productions. The Party Film Sales handles international rights.
It premiered at Toronto in 2019 where Magnolia took US rights.
The distributor...
- 11/19/2020
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- ScreenDaily
France’s Oscar selection committee has chosen comedy/drama Two Of Us as its submission to the International Feature Film category at the 2021 Academy Awards. From director Filippo Meneghetti, the feature debut world premiered in the Discovery section of Toronto last year and was released in France in early 2020 via Sophie Dulac Distribution. Magnolia has U.S. rights and is releasing on February 5, 2021. Other festival play has included London, Macau and Palm Springs.
The story centers on retirees Nina (Barbara Sukowa) and Madeleine (Martine Chevallier) who have hidden their deep and passionate love for many decades. Everybody, including Madeline’s family, thinks they are simply neighbors. When an unforeseen crisis turns their relationship upside down, Madeline’s daughter (Léa Drucker) begins to gradually unravel the truth between them.
Two Of Us (aka Deux in French) is produced by Paprika Films with The Party Film Sales on international rights.
Deliberations today...
The story centers on retirees Nina (Barbara Sukowa) and Madeleine (Martine Chevallier) who have hidden their deep and passionate love for many decades. Everybody, including Madeline’s family, thinks they are simply neighbors. When an unforeseen crisis turns their relationship upside down, Madeline’s daughter (Léa Drucker) begins to gradually unravel the truth between them.
Two Of Us (aka Deux in French) is produced by Paprika Films with The Party Film Sales on international rights.
Deliberations today...
- 11/19/2020
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
France’s Oscar selection committee today set a shortlist of five films that are in contention to be the country’s official submission to the International Feature Film category at the 2021 Academy Awards. Among the titles is Cuties, the Sundance award-winning debut drama from Maïmouna Doucouré that was well-received in France when it released this summer, but also was collaterally involved in an online backlash spurred by Netflix’s early marketing campaign.
Bac Films released Cuties in France while Netflix began rollout elsewhere on September 9. The story follows Amy, an 11-year-old girl who joins a group of dancers named “The Cuties” at school, and who rapidly grows aware of her burgeoning femininity — upsetting her mother and her values.
A poster released by Netflix at the same time as the French theatrical rollout, in a bid to begin promoting the movie ahead of its streaming debut, provoked a furious online backlash...
Bac Films released Cuties in France while Netflix began rollout elsewhere on September 9. The story follows Amy, an 11-year-old girl who joins a group of dancers named “The Cuties” at school, and who rapidly grows aware of her burgeoning femininity — upsetting her mother and her values.
A poster released by Netflix at the same time as the French theatrical rollout, in a bid to begin promoting the movie ahead of its streaming debut, provoked a furious online backlash...
- 11/12/2020
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
The final candidate will be decided on November 19.
Cuties, DNA, Gagarine, Two Of Us and Summer Of 85 have been shortlisted to be France’s candidate for the best international feature film category of the 2021 Oscars, in the country’s two-part selection process.
This year’s selection committee includes directors Mati Diop and Olivier Nakache; producers Marc du Pontavice and Anne-Dominique Toussaint; and international sales agents Carole Baraton, co-head of Charades, and Juliette Schrameck, who recently left as head of sales at mk2 Films to move into production.
They join perennial institutional committee members, Cannes delegate general Thierry Frémaux, Unifrance president...
Cuties, DNA, Gagarine, Two Of Us and Summer Of 85 have been shortlisted to be France’s candidate for the best international feature film category of the 2021 Oscars, in the country’s two-part selection process.
This year’s selection committee includes directors Mati Diop and Olivier Nakache; producers Marc du Pontavice and Anne-Dominique Toussaint; and international sales agents Carole Baraton, co-head of Charades, and Juliette Schrameck, who recently left as head of sales at mk2 Films to move into production.
They join perennial institutional committee members, Cannes delegate general Thierry Frémaux, Unifrance president...
- 11/12/2020
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- ScreenDaily
Following a backlash within its membership ranks and the resignation of its board of directors and president earlier this year, France’s Académie des Arts et Techniques du Cinéma has set new leadership. At a general assembly today, the Académie, which hands out the country’s César Awards, elected former Cnc and Arte chief Veronique Cayla as president and Intouchables co-director and filmmaker Eric Toledano as vice president. They will hold their positions for a two-year term.
The duo replaces Margaret Menegoz who was interim president following Alain Terzian’s departure in February. Terzian left amid rising controversy in the wake of this year’s César nominations which gave Roman Polanski’s An Officer And A Spy the lead at 12. The film ultimately won three prizes at the protested ceremony.
Prior to the awards, the film org was called out as “elitist and closed” by some 200 artists who said they...
The duo replaces Margaret Menegoz who was interim president following Alain Terzian’s departure in February. Terzian left amid rising controversy in the wake of this year’s César nominations which gave Roman Polanski’s An Officer And A Spy the lead at 12. The film ultimately won three prizes at the protested ceremony.
Prior to the awards, the film org was called out as “elitist and closed” by some 200 artists who said they...
- 9/29/2020
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has boarded “Trico,” a CGI-3D slapstick comedy series produced by Xilam, the well-established production banner behind the international hits “Oggy and the Cockroaches” and “Zig & Sharko.”
“Trico” will be branded as a Netflix Original and will launch globally on the service in early 2022. Created by Xilam’s Hugo Gittard, the non-verbal comedy series “Trico” follows a former globetrotter who becomes bored of the mountain pasture life and embarks on adventures with his fellow sheep to shake things up.
Xilam will retain second window global linear television distribution and merchandising rights to “Trico.”
“We’re thrilled to be undertaking this new collaboration with Netflix and feel honoured by the trust they have placed in Xilam’s talents,” said Marc du Pontavice, CEO of Xilam Animation and Executive Producer.
“Hugo has created a fantastic series which is brimming with endearing characters and original comedy – we’re sure Trico’s...
“Trico” will be branded as a Netflix Original and will launch globally on the service in early 2022. Created by Xilam’s Hugo Gittard, the non-verbal comedy series “Trico” follows a former globetrotter who becomes bored of the mountain pasture life and embarks on adventures with his fellow sheep to shake things up.
Xilam will retain second window global linear television distribution and merchandising rights to “Trico.”
“We’re thrilled to be undertaking this new collaboration with Netflix and feel honoured by the trust they have placed in Xilam’s talents,” said Marc du Pontavice, CEO of Xilam Animation and Executive Producer.
“Hugo has created a fantastic series which is brimming with endearing characters and original comedy – we’re sure Trico’s...
- 9/22/2020
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Whether in “I Lost My Body,” a boy-girl love story which takes place as the suitor’s severe hand crawls towards its owner, or with “The Summit of the Gods,” an epic account of two crazed climbers’ attempt to scale Everest’s South-West face in winter without oxygen, France is pushing back the boundaries of animation as art.
On one hand, it is attempting to break down its walls, affirming its status as a medium not a subject-prescribing and proscribing genre type. On the other, it is also releasing its unlocked artistic potential.
“There are no reserved territories for live action. Any story can be told in animation,” says Xilam founder Marc du Pontavice, “I Lost My Body” producer.
“Animation can talk about any subject but differently from live action,” agrees Folivari’s Didier Brunner, a producer on “The Summit of the Gods.”
He added: “If we’d done ‘The...
On one hand, it is attempting to break down its walls, affirming its status as a medium not a subject-prescribing and proscribing genre type. On the other, it is also releasing its unlocked artistic potential.
“There are no reserved territories for live action. Any story can be told in animation,” says Xilam founder Marc du Pontavice, “I Lost My Body” producer.
“Animation can talk about any subject but differently from live action,” agrees Folivari’s Didier Brunner, a producer on “The Summit of the Gods.”
He added: “If we’d done ‘The...
- 6/15/2020
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Covid-19 looks set to accelerate the biggest paradigm shift in French animation in the last two decades: Global streaming platforms’ ever larger presence in finance and distribution.
How France’s auteur-driven animation movie and TV industry dovetails with the market interests and industry practices of Netflix, Disney Plus, HBO Max, Warner Media and Apple TV Plus will determine a large part of its future.
Depending on the company and the sector – TV is far more advanced than feature film – it’s a revolution that is already being put through.
Already, 15 months ago, 43% of Xilam’s revenues came from streaming platforms, Xilam president Marc du Pontavice said last year. Now that proportion will be higher, he told Variety in the eve of the run-up to this year’s totally online Annecy Festival.
At TeamTO, international sales represent about half of its revenues, and platforms will account for 30% of those in 2020, says Corinne Kouper,...
How France’s auteur-driven animation movie and TV industry dovetails with the market interests and industry practices of Netflix, Disney Plus, HBO Max, Warner Media and Apple TV Plus will determine a large part of its future.
Depending on the company and the sector – TV is far more advanced than feature film – it’s a revolution that is already being put through.
Already, 15 months ago, 43% of Xilam’s revenues came from streaming platforms, Xilam president Marc du Pontavice said last year. Now that proportion will be higher, he told Variety in the eve of the run-up to this year’s totally online Annecy Festival.
At TeamTO, international sales represent about half of its revenues, and platforms will account for 30% of those in 2020, says Corinne Kouper,...
- 6/15/2020
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Driving to develop animated features and series that reach out to more sophisticated global families and 18-34 young adults after the milestone success of the Academy Award-nominated “I Lost My Body,” Marc du Pontavice’s French animation studio Xilam Animation has tapped ‘Dustbin Baby’ and ‘’Hetty Feather’ screenwriter Helen Blakeman to write “Lucy Lost.”
In the run-up to this year’s online Annecy Festival and Mifa market, Du Pontavice also teased further “The Wolf,” the next feature film at Xilam, to be directed by Julien Bisaro, nominated for an Annie for his storyboard artist work on “I Lost My Body,” whose half hour “Shooom’s Odyssey” is one of Annecy’s buzziest titles in its TV Film section.
A BAFTA and International Emmy Award winner for her TV screenplay adaptation of ‘Dustbin Baby’ for BBC/Kindle Entertainment, starring Juliet Stevenson, David Haig and Dakota Blue Richards, Blakeman is also the creator,...
In the run-up to this year’s online Annecy Festival and Mifa market, Du Pontavice also teased further “The Wolf,” the next feature film at Xilam, to be directed by Julien Bisaro, nominated for an Annie for his storyboard artist work on “I Lost My Body,” whose half hour “Shooom’s Odyssey” is one of Annecy’s buzziest titles in its TV Film section.
A BAFTA and International Emmy Award winner for her TV screenplay adaptation of ‘Dustbin Baby’ for BBC/Kindle Entertainment, starring Juliet Stevenson, David Haig and Dakota Blue Richards, Blakeman is also the creator,...
- 6/15/2020
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
There are few festivals in the world which are more of a delight to attend than France’s Annecy Intl. Animation Film Festival, nestling in a fairy tale-looking town on the edge of a lake, backed by mountain ramparts. That pleasure will be denied this year as Annecy inevitably, given Covid-19 restriction, has gone online.
Following, seven takes on this year’s event, which will lack Annecy’s customary big world premieres, from Hollywood and the world, but still host multiple industry and consumer attractions:
Annecy: Covid Resilient, Though Not Covid Immune
“Festivals’ going online is a test or demonstration of brand value. Annecy is not having a physical market, but you still really want to be associated with it, even if it’s online. You may not want to do so as much for other festivals or trade shows that are more sales events,” says David Michel, managing director of Federation Kids & Family.
Following, seven takes on this year’s event, which will lack Annecy’s customary big world premieres, from Hollywood and the world, but still host multiple industry and consumer attractions:
Annecy: Covid Resilient, Though Not Covid Immune
“Festivals’ going online is a test or demonstration of brand value. Annecy is not having a physical market, but you still really want to be associated with it, even if it’s online. You may not want to do so as much for other festivals or trade shows that are more sales events,” says David Michel, managing director of Federation Kids & Family.
- 6/11/2020
- by John Hopewell and Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Bordeaux, France — French directors Zabou Breitman and Éléa Gobbé-Mévellec, Belgian distributor Lumière and French production outfit Xilam won Tributes Awards at this year’s Cartoon Movie, Europe’s biggest animated feature co-production and sales forum which closed today in the French port city of Bordeaux.
Breitman and Gobbé-Mévellec’s “The Swallows Of Kabul,” which world premiered at the Cannes Festival’s Un Certain Regard last year, is produced by Les Armateurs in co-production with Melusine Prods. and Close Up Films. The 2D watercolor-style animation adapts the bestselling book from Yasmina Khadra offering a touching “fresco” of life under Taliban rule in the Afghan capital through the intertwined stories of two couples. It marks the fifth feature of actress-director Breitman and the her first animated title and for animator Gobbé-Mévellec her debut feature. “Kabul” is sold by Paris’ Celluloid Dreams.
Nominees for the Direction Tribute Award also included Spain’s Sergio Pablos...
Breitman and Gobbé-Mévellec’s “The Swallows Of Kabul,” which world premiered at the Cannes Festival’s Un Certain Regard last year, is produced by Les Armateurs in co-production with Melusine Prods. and Close Up Films. The 2D watercolor-style animation adapts the bestselling book from Yasmina Khadra offering a touching “fresco” of life under Taliban rule in the Afghan capital through the intertwined stories of two couples. It marks the fifth feature of actress-director Breitman and the her first animated title and for animator Gobbé-Mévellec her debut feature. “Kabul” is sold by Paris’ Celluloid Dreams.
Nominees for the Direction Tribute Award also included Spain’s Sergio Pablos...
- 3/5/2020
- by Emilio Mayorga
- Variety Film + TV
The nominations for the 92nd Academy Awards were announced this morning live from the David Geffen Theater at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
Joker received the most nominations with 11. The Irishman, 1917 and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood each got 10 nominations. Meanwhile, Jojo Rabbit, Little Women, Marriage Story and Parasite each earned six noms.
Among the five nominated films for best documentary short subject is St. Louis Superman, from MTV Documentary Films and directed by Smriti Mundhra and Sami Khan. It won Best Local short at the St. Louis International Film Festival in November.
Bruce Franks Jr. is a 34-year-old battle rapper, leading Ferguson activist and state representative from St. Louis, Missouri. Known as Superman to his constituents, he’s a political figure the likes of which you’ve never seen — full of contradictions and deep insights, who has overcome unspeakable loss to become one of the most...
Joker received the most nominations with 11. The Irishman, 1917 and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood each got 10 nominations. Meanwhile, Jojo Rabbit, Little Women, Marriage Story and Parasite each earned six noms.
Among the five nominated films for best documentary short subject is St. Louis Superman, from MTV Documentary Films and directed by Smriti Mundhra and Sami Khan. It won Best Local short at the St. Louis International Film Festival in November.
Bruce Franks Jr. is a 34-year-old battle rapper, leading Ferguson activist and state representative from St. Louis, Missouri. Known as Superman to his constituents, he’s a political figure the likes of which you’ve never seen — full of contradictions and deep insights, who has overcome unspeakable loss to become one of the most...
- 1/13/2020
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Caterina Gonnelli, the director of acquisitions and coproductions for Disney Channels Emea, is joining Xilam Animation, the French animation studio behind Netflix series Oggy Oggy.
Gonnelli will become Xilam’s executive vice president of content on January 13 after more than eight years at Disney, where she worked across Disney Channel, Disney Xd and Disney Junior, and was based in Paris.
Xilam CEO Marc du Pontavice said: “Caterina has built a very strong profile over the years from development to production, from acquisition to programming, at one of the world’s most prominent kids’ studios. Such invaluable expertise will boost Xilam’s response to a very fast-growing market towards premium kids’ content.”
Gonnelli added: “I’m thrilled to be joining Marc and the team at this exciting time of growth as the company gears up for major new series launches, including Oggy Oggy for Netflix, and to continue shaping the company’s vision and content offering.
Gonnelli will become Xilam’s executive vice president of content on January 13 after more than eight years at Disney, where she worked across Disney Channel, Disney Xd and Disney Junior, and was based in Paris.
Xilam CEO Marc du Pontavice said: “Caterina has built a very strong profile over the years from development to production, from acquisition to programming, at one of the world’s most prominent kids’ studios. Such invaluable expertise will boost Xilam’s response to a very fast-growing market towards premium kids’ content.”
Gonnelli added: “I’m thrilled to be joining Marc and the team at this exciting time of growth as the company gears up for major new series launches, including Oggy Oggy for Netflix, and to continue shaping the company’s vision and content offering.
- 1/8/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The Chicago Indie Critics announced their nominees Saturday for the group’s fourth annual film awards, with Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Little Women leading with eight nominations, including Best Studio Film and Best Director.
Following next with seven nominations each were The Irishman, Marriage Story, 1917, and Parasite.
Winners will be announced on January 4, at the Cards Against Humanity Theater in Chicago. Stand-up comedian and former film critic Katie Baker is set to host the ceremony, which will stream live on YouTube.
Following next with seven nominations each were The Irishman, Marriage Story, 1917, and Parasite.
Winners will be announced on January 4, at the Cards Against Humanity Theater in Chicago. Stand-up comedian and former film critic Katie Baker is set to host the ceremony, which will stream live on YouTube.
- 12/29/2019
- by Anita Bennett
- Deadline Film + TV
Jeremy Clapin is getting major attention for his first feature film, “I Lost My Body,” which is in contention to possibly score an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature. The film is about a severed hand and its journey to make its way back to the rest of its body.
Clapin recently spoke with Gold Derby contributing writer Charles Bright about crafting such a unique story, the difficulty in selling the film to others and whether he wants to continue in feature film. Watch the exclusive web interview above and read the complete transcript below.
SEEWill Netflix’s animated feature ‘I Lost My Body’ find its way into the Oscar race?
Gold Derby: The first question I have to ask is how did you come up with the idea for this kind of animated movie about a severed hand trying to find its way back to its owner?
Jeremy Clapin: In fact,...
Clapin recently spoke with Gold Derby contributing writer Charles Bright about crafting such a unique story, the difficulty in selling the film to others and whether he wants to continue in feature film. Watch the exclusive web interview above and read the complete transcript below.
SEEWill Netflix’s animated feature ‘I Lost My Body’ find its way into the Oscar race?
Gold Derby: The first question I have to ask is how did you come up with the idea for this kind of animated movie about a severed hand trying to find its way back to its owner?
Jeremy Clapin: In fact,...
- 12/24/2019
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
An Oscar-nominated screenwriter known for such films as The City of Lost Children and Amélie, Guillaume Laurant found an exciting introduction to the world of animation in Jérémy Clapin’s I Lost My Body.
The first animated film to win the Cannes Film Festival’s Nespresso Grand Prize, the imaginative, romantic and surreal Netflix pic follows a severed hand as it escapes from a dissection lab, embarking on a journey through Paris to reconnect with its body.
Written by Laurant and Clapin, the film is an adaptation of Laurant’s 2006 novel, Happy Hand. “This novel was meant as a counterpoint to the first novel I had written, which was a very personal one,” Laurant tells Deadline. “It’s based on what the French writer Marcel Aymé did, in terms of having a fantastic element that is introduced in a very real setting.”
An inventor of spectacular fables, Laurant had been...
The first animated film to win the Cannes Film Festival’s Nespresso Grand Prize, the imaginative, romantic and surreal Netflix pic follows a severed hand as it escapes from a dissection lab, embarking on a journey through Paris to reconnect with its body.
Written by Laurant and Clapin, the film is an adaptation of Laurant’s 2006 novel, Happy Hand. “This novel was meant as a counterpoint to the first novel I had written, which was a very personal one,” Laurant tells Deadline. “It’s based on what the French writer Marcel Aymé did, in terms of having a fantastic element that is introduced in a very real setting.”
An inventor of spectacular fables, Laurant had been...
- 12/23/2019
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
In a field dominated by CGI-animated studio sequels, Netflix has turned a spotlight this awards season on traditional hand-drawn animation with two very different movies.
Aimed at adult audiences, director Jérémy Clapin’s debut feature “I Lost My Body,” an adaptation of the 2010 novel “Happy Hand” by “Amélie” screenwriter Guillaume Laurant, is a gritty story immersed in the details of everyday life told from the point of view of a severed hand. And Sergio Pablos’ family feature “Klaus” is a clever, tightly knit Santa Claus origin story that pushes 2D animation to new heights.
Produced by Jinko Gotoh, “Klaus” is based on an original story by Pablos, who shares screenwriting credits with Jim Mahoney and Zach Lewis. Pablos and producing partner Marisa Roman founded the Spa Studios in Madrid to bring “Klaus” to the screen, assembling a team of world-class 2D animators to develop custom-built shading and lighting tools...
Aimed at adult audiences, director Jérémy Clapin’s debut feature “I Lost My Body,” an adaptation of the 2010 novel “Happy Hand” by “Amélie” screenwriter Guillaume Laurant, is a gritty story immersed in the details of everyday life told from the point of view of a severed hand. And Sergio Pablos’ family feature “Klaus” is a clever, tightly knit Santa Claus origin story that pushes 2D animation to new heights.
Produced by Jinko Gotoh, “Klaus” is based on an original story by Pablos, who shares screenwriting credits with Jim Mahoney and Zach Lewis. Pablos and producing partner Marisa Roman founded the Spa Studios in Madrid to bring “Klaus” to the screen, assembling a team of world-class 2D animators to develop custom-built shading and lighting tools...
- 12/4/2019
- by Jennifer Wolfe
- Variety Film + TV
Jérémy Clapin understands that the subject matter for his new film, “I Lost My Body,” can be a tough sell for people. He remembers that “we were quite alone while trying to find the funding for the film.” But in our recent webcat (watch the exclusive video above) he seeks to explain further that while the film’s subject is a severed human hand, the movie really is about the missing part which is the rest of the person’s body along with confronting areas such as finding yourself, survival and dealing with fate. It was really when the film screened for the first time at the Cannes Film Festival that he saw his decisions as being validated. “When we went out at Cannes, it was really powerful to us because we took a lot of risks alone to do this film and the risks paid off,” he adds.
SEEWill...
SEEWill...
- 12/2/2019
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
A director known internationally for his short films and commercials, Jérémy Clapin made his feature directorial debut this year with Netflix animated pic I Lost My Body, though he initially balked at the general notion of venturing into features.
Used to working with total creative freedom, while twisting and pushing animation technology to create fresh work, Clapin had seen the negative experiences his friends had gone through when transitioning to features, and was wary of an industry that produces “a lot of things in the same way, without asking questions each time,” he explains.
Clapin’s attitude shifted upon meeting with producer Marc du Pontavice, about a feature adaptation of Guillaume Laurant’s novel, Happy Hand. A multifaceted story involving a young man and woman falling in love, I Lost My Body excited Clapin, given that it placed most of its focus on a severed hand, which escapes from a lab,...
Used to working with total creative freedom, while twisting and pushing animation technology to create fresh work, Clapin had seen the negative experiences his friends had gone through when transitioning to features, and was wary of an industry that produces “a lot of things in the same way, without asking questions each time,” he explains.
Clapin’s attitude shifted upon meeting with producer Marc du Pontavice, about a feature adaptation of Guillaume Laurant’s novel, Happy Hand. A multifaceted story involving a young man and woman falling in love, I Lost My Body excited Clapin, given that it placed most of its focus on a severed hand, which escapes from a lab,...
- 11/13/2019
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has ordered its first original animated series from France — a CGI remake of 21-year-old kids cartoon Oggy And The Cockroaches.
Paris-based animation house Xilam Animation will produce the series for Netflix, transforming a brand it first launched in 1998. Netflix said the original cartoon, created by Jean-Yves Raimbaud, has reached 800M households worldwide.
Titled Oggy Oggy, the new series follows cat Oggy who is freed from the tyranny of the cockroaches and lives in a world of other cats, where he engages with neighbors and sets off on adventures.
Dominique Bazay, director of kids and family international originals at Netflix, said: “Xilam is one of France’s most prolific producers, having developed a distinct expertise in non-dialog animated comedy for kids. We’re certain Oggy’s kindness and sweet charm will warm the hearts of preschoolers everywhere.”
Xilam CEO Marc du Pontavice added: “Xilam intends to establish the Oggy universe...
Paris-based animation house Xilam Animation will produce the series for Netflix, transforming a brand it first launched in 1998. Netflix said the original cartoon, created by Jean-Yves Raimbaud, has reached 800M households worldwide.
Titled Oggy Oggy, the new series follows cat Oggy who is freed from the tyranny of the cockroaches and lives in a world of other cats, where he engages with neighbors and sets off on adventures.
Dominique Bazay, director of kids and family international originals at Netflix, said: “Xilam is one of France’s most prolific producers, having developed a distinct expertise in non-dialog animated comedy for kids. We’re certain Oggy’s kindness and sweet charm will warm the hearts of preschoolers everywhere.”
Xilam CEO Marc du Pontavice added: “Xilam intends to establish the Oggy universe...
- 10/24/2019
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has ordered an original CGI-animated preschool series, “Oggy Oggy,” based on the hit franchise “Oggy and the Cockroaches,” from French production company Xilam Animation.
The series “Oggy and the Cockroaches” has reached 800 million households around the world over the last 20 years and already ranks as one of the most popular kids series on Netflix.
In the new spinoff show, Oggy is freed from the tyranny of the cockroaches and lives in a fantasy world inhabited by a vibrant community of cats. Oggy Oggy is a very special little cat, full of curiosity and enthusiasm, who likes to engage with his neighbors and set off on adventures.
Marc du Pontavice, the CEO of Xilam Animation, said the new collaboration with Netflix was “a testimony of their commitment to offering children around the world access to high-quality programs.”
“With this new development of our successful series ‘Oggy and the Cockroaches,...
The series “Oggy and the Cockroaches” has reached 800 million households around the world over the last 20 years and already ranks as one of the most popular kids series on Netflix.
In the new spinoff show, Oggy is freed from the tyranny of the cockroaches and lives in a fantasy world inhabited by a vibrant community of cats. Oggy Oggy is a very special little cat, full of curiosity and enthusiasm, who likes to engage with his neighbors and set off on adventures.
Marc du Pontavice, the CEO of Xilam Animation, said the new collaboration with Netflix was “a testimony of their commitment to offering children around the world access to high-quality programs.”
“With this new development of our successful series ‘Oggy and the Cockroaches,...
- 10/24/2019
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Spanish festival hit Bunuel in the Labyrinth of Turtles will compete against three French co-productions for best European animated film at the upcoming European Film Awards.
The French films have all toured the festival circuit. French director Jeremy Clapin's I Lost My Body premiered in competition in Critics' Week at Cannes, where it won the top prize and was picked up by Netflix. The tale of a severed hand looking for its home was produced by Marc du Pontavice.
Romanian filmmaker Anca Damian teamed with Belgian artist Brecht Evens for Marona's Fantastic Tale, a French-language chronicle of a puppy who never ...
The French films have all toured the festival circuit. French director Jeremy Clapin's I Lost My Body premiered in competition in Critics' Week at Cannes, where it won the top prize and was picked up by Netflix. The tale of a severed hand looking for its home was produced by Marc du Pontavice.
Romanian filmmaker Anca Damian teamed with Belgian artist Brecht Evens for Marona's Fantastic Tale, a French-language chronicle of a puppy who never ...
- 10/15/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Spanish festival hit Bunuel in the Labyrinth of Turtles will compete against three French co-productions for best European animated film at the upcoming European Film Awards.
The French films have all toured the festival circuit. French director Jeremy Clapin's I Lost My Body premiered in competition in Critics' Week at Cannes, where it won the top prize and was picked up by Netflix. The tale of a severed hand looking for its home was produced by Marc du Pontavice.
Romanian filmmaker Anca Damian teamed with Belgian artist Brecht Evens for Marona's Fantastic Tale, a French-language chronicle of a puppy who never ...
The French films have all toured the festival circuit. French director Jeremy Clapin's I Lost My Body premiered in competition in Critics' Week at Cannes, where it won the top prize and was picked up by Netflix. The tale of a severed hand looking for its home was produced by Marc du Pontavice.
Romanian filmmaker Anca Damian teamed with Belgian artist Brecht Evens for Marona's Fantastic Tale, a French-language chronicle of a puppy who never ...
- 10/15/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix scooped up global rights to Cannes Critics’ Week Award winner “I Lost My Body,” from Xilam Animation, after its premiere at the festival. Now, the streaming giant has tapped Dev Patel, Alia Shawkat, and George Wendt to lead the English-language cast of French director Jérémy Clapin’s animated feature debut, in which young love and childhood memories intertwine as a severed hand crosses Paris in search of its owner.
Additionally, filmmaker Andrew Bujalski has been named the Creative Lead of the English dub under the supervision of director Clapin. Patel, Shawkat, and Wendt will take on the voice roles from the original French voiceover cast led by Hakim Faris, Victoire Du Bois, and Patrick d’Assumçao.
The film’s official synopsis reads: “In a Parisian laboratory, a severed hand escapes its unhappy fate and sets out to reconnect with its body in this Cannes Critics’ Week selection. During a hair-raising escapade across the city,...
Additionally, filmmaker Andrew Bujalski has been named the Creative Lead of the English dub under the supervision of director Clapin. Patel, Shawkat, and Wendt will take on the voice roles from the original French voiceover cast led by Hakim Faris, Victoire Du Bois, and Patrick d’Assumçao.
The film’s official synopsis reads: “In a Parisian laboratory, a severed hand escapes its unhappy fate and sets out to reconnect with its body in this Cannes Critics’ Week selection. During a hair-raising escapade across the city,...
- 9/30/2019
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
Dev Patel, Alia Shawkat and George Wendt are leading the English cast of the critically-acclaimed animated film “I Lost My Body,” directed by Jeremy Clapin.
The unique film, which follows the adventures of a severed hand as it tries to find its way back to its body through the subways and streets of Paris, won the Nespresso Grand Prize at the Cannes Film Festival’s Critics’ Week, beating out its all live-action competition. Variety’s chief film critic Peter Debruge said of the film: “It’s one of the most original and creative animated features I’ve ever seen: macabre, of course — how could it be otherwise, given the premise? — but remarkably captivating and unexpectedly poetic in the process.” It also won both the Critics and Audience awards at the Colcoa Film Festival in Hollywood on Oct. 1. It is the first time in the festival’s 23-year history that a film has won both awards.
The unique film, which follows the adventures of a severed hand as it tries to find its way back to its body through the subways and streets of Paris, won the Nespresso Grand Prize at the Cannes Film Festival’s Critics’ Week, beating out its all live-action competition. Variety’s chief film critic Peter Debruge said of the film: “It’s one of the most original and creative animated features I’ve ever seen: macabre, of course — how could it be otherwise, given the premise? — but remarkably captivating and unexpectedly poetic in the process.” It also won both the Critics and Audience awards at the Colcoa Film Festival in Hollywood on Oct. 1. It is the first time in the festival’s 23-year history that a film has won both awards.
- 9/30/2019
- by Terry Flores
- Variety Film + TV
The third Animation Is Film Festival has set “Weathering With You” as its opening film on Oct. 18 at the Tcl Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
“Weathering With You” is set in Japan during exceptionally rainy weather and tells the story of a high school boy who befriends an orphan girl who appears to be able to manipulate the weather. It’s been chosen as Japan’s entry for best international feature film at the 92nd Academy Awards. Director Makoto Shinkai and producer Genki Kawamura are expected to be in attendance.
Closing the festival on Oct. 20 will be France’s “I Lost My Body,” with director Jeremy Clapin and producer Marc du Pontavice in attendance. The film screened at the International Critics Week section at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Nespresso Grand Prize.
The festival will present 10 feature films in competition, vying for grand prize, special jury prize, and audiences award.
“Weathering With You” is set in Japan during exceptionally rainy weather and tells the story of a high school boy who befriends an orphan girl who appears to be able to manipulate the weather. It’s been chosen as Japan’s entry for best international feature film at the 92nd Academy Awards. Director Makoto Shinkai and producer Genki Kawamura are expected to be in attendance.
Closing the festival on Oct. 20 will be France’s “I Lost My Body,” with director Jeremy Clapin and producer Marc du Pontavice in attendance. The film screened at the International Critics Week section at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Nespresso Grand Prize.
The festival will present 10 feature films in competition, vying for grand prize, special jury prize, and audiences award.
- 9/13/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Quirky tale about a severed hand on quest to reunite with owner won Cannes Critics’ Week last month.
French director Jérémy Clapin’s I Lost My Body continued its prize-winning run at the Annecy International Animation Festival (June 10-15) over the weekend, scooping the top Cristal award for best film as well as the audience award in the feature-length category.
The prizes follow its triumph at Cannes Critics’ Week last month where it became the first feature-length animation to clinch the Grand Prize.
The quirky tale, produced by Marc Du Pontavice’s Xilam Animation, revolves around a severed hand which...
French director Jérémy Clapin’s I Lost My Body continued its prize-winning run at the Annecy International Animation Festival (June 10-15) over the weekend, scooping the top Cristal award for best film as well as the audience award in the feature-length category.
The prizes follow its triumph at Cannes Critics’ Week last month where it became the first feature-length animation to clinch the Grand Prize.
The quirky tale, produced by Marc Du Pontavice’s Xilam Animation, revolves around a severed hand which...
- 6/17/2019
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- ScreenDaily
Annecy, France – France’s “Lucy Lost” and “Galaxy Camp,” and the U.K.’s “The World’s Worst Children” are among the 86 TV series projects set to unspool at the 2019 Cartoon Forum, which takes place in Toulouse, Southern France. The 2019 Cartoon Forum runs Sept. 16-19.
Preeminent French animation company Xilam Animation, headed by Marc du Pontavice, is developing “Lucy Lost,” a family-targeted show of 26 26-minute episodes. Set during 1915 in the Islands of Scilly off Cornwall, the plot kicks off when a fisherman and his son rescue an injured girl from the sea. The girl just seems to be able to say one word- ‘Lucy’ – becoming a mystery for everybody in the local village.
The fishing community is not ready to accept mysteries, especially during war time. Is she a German spy? The adventure drama is an adaptation of bestseller “Listen to the Moon,” a WWI mystery novel by British children’s laureate Michael Morpurgo.
Preeminent French animation company Xilam Animation, headed by Marc du Pontavice, is developing “Lucy Lost,” a family-targeted show of 26 26-minute episodes. Set during 1915 in the Islands of Scilly off Cornwall, the plot kicks off when a fisherman and his son rescue an injured girl from the sea. The girl just seems to be able to say one word- ‘Lucy’ – becoming a mystery for everybody in the local village.
The fishing community is not ready to accept mysteries, especially during war time. Is she a German spy? The adventure drama is an adaptation of bestseller “Listen to the Moon,” a WWI mystery novel by British children’s laureate Michael Morpurgo.
- 6/14/2019
- by Emilio Mayorga
- Variety Film + TV
Marc Du Pontavice, whose Paris-based company, Xilam, won Cannes Critics’ Week top prize with the animated feature “I Lost My Body,” is set to expand the scope of his listed outfit with new projects directed at adults and teens.
Among these projects is a series adaptation of “Monkey Bizness,” the popular French comics created by Pozla and El Diablo, the pair behind “Les Lascars.” Xilam has acquired the right to the comics collection and is collaborating with the authors on a half-hour comedy series for young adults. The series is set in a future world dominated by monkeys. It follows the adventures of two clumsy, incompetent underachievers working for the local mafia.
“‘Monkey Bizness’ will be an offbeat and irreverent comedy series appealing primarily to young adults,” said Du Pontavice, who was honored Tuesday at the Annecy Film Festival. The producer said he would likely get a streaming service on board for “Monkey Bizness.
Among these projects is a series adaptation of “Monkey Bizness,” the popular French comics created by Pozla and El Diablo, the pair behind “Les Lascars.” Xilam has acquired the right to the comics collection and is collaborating with the authors on a half-hour comedy series for young adults. The series is set in a future world dominated by monkeys. It follows the adventures of two clumsy, incompetent underachievers working for the local mafia.
“‘Monkey Bizness’ will be an offbeat and irreverent comedy series appealing primarily to young adults,” said Du Pontavice, who was honored Tuesday at the Annecy Film Festival. The producer said he would likely get a streaming service on board for “Monkey Bizness.
- 6/12/2019
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
A new “Chip ‘n’ Dale” original animated series is in production at Disney +, the streamer announced Tuesday at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival.
In 39 seven-minute episodes, “Chip ‘n’ Dale” will feature Disney’s “much-loved chipmunk troublemakers in a non-verbal, classic style comedy, following the ups and downs of two little creatures living life in the big city.” The series combines a traditional style of animation with contemporary, comedic narratives. Jean Cayrol will direct, while Marc du Pontavice will produce.
Disney’s London-based animation team is developing the series in collaboration with Xilam Animation in Paris. Xilam Animation will also produce.
Also Read: 'Frozen 2' Trailer Reveals Elsa's New Adventure With Trolls, Giants and Ice-Crystal Horses (Video)
Disney + also released the logo for “Monsters at Work,” a “Monsters, Inc.” spinoff series, which will premiere in 2020. The series stars Ben Feldman as Tylor Tuskmon, with Billy Crystal and John Goodman...
In 39 seven-minute episodes, “Chip ‘n’ Dale” will feature Disney’s “much-loved chipmunk troublemakers in a non-verbal, classic style comedy, following the ups and downs of two little creatures living life in the big city.” The series combines a traditional style of animation with contemporary, comedic narratives. Jean Cayrol will direct, while Marc du Pontavice will produce.
Disney’s London-based animation team is developing the series in collaboration with Xilam Animation in Paris. Xilam Animation will also produce.
Also Read: 'Frozen 2' Trailer Reveals Elsa's New Adventure With Trolls, Giants and Ice-Crystal Horses (Video)
Disney + also released the logo for “Monsters at Work,” a “Monsters, Inc.” spinoff series, which will premiere in 2020. The series stars Ben Feldman as Tylor Tuskmon, with Billy Crystal and John Goodman...
- 6/11/2019
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Disney+ today announced a reboot of its classic animated series Chip ‘n’ Dale is in production and set for release as a Disney+ original series. The streaming service also shared a first look at the logo for the anticipated upcoming original series Monsters At Work, set for premiere in 2020. The news was revealed today at Annecy International Animated Film Festival in Annecy, France.
Chip ‘n’ Dale, starring the world’s most famous chipmunk duo, combines a traditional style of animation with contemporary, comedic narratives. The series is developed by Disney’s London-based animation team in collaboration with Xilam Animation in Paris. The series will be fully produced by Xilam, the award-winning independent production studio behind hits such as Paprika and Mr. Magoo.
The 39 x seven-minute episodes will feature the lovable chipmunk troublemakers in a non-verbal, classic style comedy, following the ups and downs of two little creatures living life in the big city.
Chip ‘n’ Dale, starring the world’s most famous chipmunk duo, combines a traditional style of animation with contemporary, comedic narratives. The series is developed by Disney’s London-based animation team in collaboration with Xilam Animation in Paris. The series will be fully produced by Xilam, the award-winning independent production studio behind hits such as Paprika and Mr. Magoo.
The 39 x seven-minute episodes will feature the lovable chipmunk troublemakers in a non-verbal, classic style comedy, following the ups and downs of two little creatures living life in the big city.
- 6/11/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney+ on Tuesday revealed it will reboot its classic chipmunk tale Chip 'N' Dale and will bring the series back as part of its originals slate for the highly anticipated streaming service. The news was announced at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival in Annecy, France.
The update is being produced by Disney's London-based animation team and Paris-based indie Xilam Animation with nearly 40 seven-minute episodes in what the company called a “classic style comedy,” combining traditional animation with new methods. The project is being directed by Jean Cayrol and produced by Marc du Pontavice.
“...
The update is being produced by Disney's London-based animation team and Paris-based indie Xilam Animation with nearly 40 seven-minute episodes in what the company called a “classic style comedy,” combining traditional animation with new methods. The project is being directed by Jean Cayrol and produced by Marc du Pontavice.
“...
- 6/11/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Annecy, France — In a set of back-to-back sessions at this year’s Annecy Intl. Animation Festival, Disney announced a reboot of one of its classic animated series, shared updates on handful of others and reaffirmed its commitment to quality content creation in Europe, Middle East and Africa.
The afternoon kicked off with a stand-alone Studio Focus for “Monsters at Work,” the upcoming serialization of the popular “Monsters, Inc.” franchise, followed by Disney annual Mifa Press Conference, led this year by Hélène Etzi, country manager at The Walt Disney Company France, with Orion Ross, VP of animation, digital and acquisitions for Disney Europe & Africa, and Caterina Gonnelli, director of acquisitions and productions for Disney Europe & Africa.
A slate of new originals was unveiled, as well as details about other hyped projects and current series.
The “Monsters at Work” presentation provided a first look at the highly anticipated Disney Plus series coming...
The afternoon kicked off with a stand-alone Studio Focus for “Monsters at Work,” the upcoming serialization of the popular “Monsters, Inc.” franchise, followed by Disney annual Mifa Press Conference, led this year by Hélène Etzi, country manager at The Walt Disney Company France, with Orion Ross, VP of animation, digital and acquisitions for Disney Europe & Africa, and Caterina Gonnelli, director of acquisitions and productions for Disney Europe & Africa.
A slate of new originals was unveiled, as well as details about other hyped projects and current series.
The “Monsters at Work” presentation provided a first look at the highly anticipated Disney Plus series coming...
- 6/11/2019
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix acquired the worldwide rights to two films that played at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Mati Diop’s “Atlantics,” which played in competition, and Jérémy Clapin’s animated film “I Lost My Body,” which won the top prize from the Cannes Critics’ Week sidebar of the festival, the streamer announced Saturday.
For “Atlantics,” Netflix acquired worldwide rights excluding China, Benelux, Switzerland, Russia and France, but it has subscription video on demand (SVoD) rights for 36 months following its theatrical release in France, Benelux and Switzerland. For “I Lost My Body, Netflix acquired worldwide excluding China, Benelux, Turkey and France, but also has SVoD rights for 36 months following its theatrical in France, an individual with knowledge told TheWrap.
Diop’s “Atlantics” played in competition and, on Saturday, was awarded the Grand Prix prize from the jury led by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. Diop made her feature directorial debut on the film...
For “Atlantics,” Netflix acquired worldwide rights excluding China, Benelux, Switzerland, Russia and France, but it has subscription video on demand (SVoD) rights for 36 months following its theatrical release in France, Benelux and Switzerland. For “I Lost My Body, Netflix acquired worldwide excluding China, Benelux, Turkey and France, but also has SVoD rights for 36 months following its theatrical in France, an individual with knowledge told TheWrap.
Diop’s “Atlantics” played in competition and, on Saturday, was awarded the Grand Prix prize from the jury led by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. Diop made her feature directorial debut on the film...
- 5/25/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Netflix has scooped up the global rights to Cannes Grand Prix Winner Atlantics from female director Mati Diop and the Cannes Critics’ Week Award Winner I Lost My Body from Xilam Animation. That pic reps director Jérémy Clapin’s Animated Feature Debut.
For Atlantics, the deal doesn’t include China, Benelux, Switzerland, Russia, France, while I Lost My Body excludes China, Benelux, Turkey, France. Atlantics was sold by Fionnuala Jamison at mk2 films. I Lost My Body was sold by Carole Baraton at Charades
Atlantics reps Diop’s feature directorial debut and takes place in Dakar along the Atlantic Coast. Seventeen-year-old Ada is in love with Souleiman, a young construction worker. But she has been promised to another man. One night, Souleiman and his co-workers leave the country by sea, in hopes of a better future. Several days later, a fire ruins Ada’s wedding and a mysterious fever starts to spread.
For Atlantics, the deal doesn’t include China, Benelux, Switzerland, Russia, France, while I Lost My Body excludes China, Benelux, Turkey, France. Atlantics was sold by Fionnuala Jamison at mk2 films. I Lost My Body was sold by Carole Baraton at Charades
Atlantics reps Diop’s feature directorial debut and takes place in Dakar along the Atlantic Coast. Seventeen-year-old Ada is in love with Souleiman, a young construction worker. But she has been promised to another man. One night, Souleiman and his co-workers leave the country by sea, in hopes of a better future. Several days later, a fire ruins Ada’s wedding and a mysterious fever starts to spread.
- 5/25/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
"Once you've cheated fate, what's next?" What?! Now this is cool. The Critics' Week sidebar at the Cannes Film Festival announced their line-up today, and included in the selection is a French animated film titled J'ai perdu mon corps. The title translates to I Lost My Body, though IMDb uses an English title listed as simply Grab, which also works for this film. Because it's about a sentient severed hand! Yeah, a bit like Thing from the Addams Family. A cut-off hand escapes from a dissection lab with one goal: to get back to its body. As it scrambles through the pitfalls of Paris, it remembers its life with the man it was once attached to... until they met Gabrielle. The film had trouble getting financing, and it took over two years to develop and create, nurtured by producer Marc Du Pontavice who runs French animation studio Xilam. It's being...
- 4/22/2019
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
The 58th edition of Critics’ Week has unveiled its program for this year’s Cannes Film Festival. The section welcomes first or second features and boasts a number of debuts which will be eligible for the Camera d’Or in 2019. Oscar-nominated Embrace Of The Serpent filmmaker Ciro Guerra is chairing the jury which will screen seven features in competition and 10 short films.
Three special screenings are also included in the lineup, among them the first feature directing effort of Hafsia Herzi. The Secret Of The Grain star’s Tu Mérites Un Amour is described as a passionate love story and an assured debut. Also in special screenings are Franco Lolli’s Litigante, which will open CW, and Heroes Don’t Die, a feature debut from Aude Léa Rapin that stars Adèle Haenel.
The competition titles include Vivarium, the second work by Irish filmmaker Lorcan Finnegan (Without Name). It stars Imogen Poots...
Three special screenings are also included in the lineup, among them the first feature directing effort of Hafsia Herzi. The Secret Of The Grain star’s Tu Mérites Un Amour is described as a passionate love story and an assured debut. Also in special screenings are Franco Lolli’s Litigante, which will open CW, and Heroes Don’t Die, a feature debut from Aude Léa Rapin that stars Adèle Haenel.
The competition titles include Vivarium, the second work by Irish filmmaker Lorcan Finnegan (Without Name). It stars Imogen Poots...
- 4/22/2019
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
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