News

Move over Scandinoir, because Gallic producers are giving crime the French Touch.

Beloved at home and lucrative abroad, a new strain of audience inclusive procedurals has paved inroads on the international market. Indeed, fueled by the earlier success of long-running series “Candice Renoir,” and made stratospheric by smashes “Hpi” and “Tandem,” the so-called “light crime” genre has become a new French delicacy.

“The genre skillfully blends criminal investigations with everyday moments, creating a balance between mystery and the light, family tone,” says Mediawan Rights exec Randall Broman. “[We’ve seen] a growing demand for lighter, more reassuring content, while viewers appreciate the captivating plots without excessive violence. This ability to blend intrigue and humor makes French producers leading players in the genre.”

Megahit “Hpi” delivered 11 million viewers at home and has sold to over 110 territories, while the U.S. remake will premiere later this month on ABC and Hulu. Other recent successes in...

With French production continuing to grow in all major genres, the 30th edition of the Unifrance Rendez-Vous market kicks off for the first time in Le Havre, welcoming international buyers from around the globe.

Last year, some 200 international buyers from 40 countries, along with 58 French sales companies, attended the Rendez-Vous, and organizers are expecting similar numbers for the current edition.

Speaking with Variety about this year’s event, Unifrance’s president, Gilles Pélisson, and executive director, Daniela Elstner, offer their insights on the latest trends, the significant role of the Rendez-Vous for the industry, and the growing international reach of French programming, from high-end drama to animation and documentary fare.

While international streamers have been pulling back from original production, French productions continue to grow in all major areas, Pélisson points out.

“French production has experienced steady growth over the last years, especially when it comes to fiction. Animation has always been very strong,...

The Unifrance Rendez-Vous is a moment to sample the best of what’s to come from the French TV sector as 60 distributors launch the shows they hope will become the next international Gallic hit. This year, 200 international buyers from 40 countries are expected in Le Havre. With 700 programs available to screen, even the most diligent buyer can’t see everything, so Deadline selected five projects that will be in the spotlight in Le Havre.

The roster spans a new outing for a much-loved masked crime-fighter, an animated art series, offbeat procedurals and a slice of Parisien high life.

From The Producers Of Call My Agent, Ça c’est Paris Takes The Stage

Federation arrives in Le Havre with Ça c’est Paris, a show it has coproduced with Michel Feller and Dominique Besnehard’s Mon Voisin, which made the original Call My Agent.

The series follows Tout-Paris, a fictional cabaret renowned for...

On “São Paulo Motoboy,” Manu Chao narrates the ballad of a daredevil motorcycle courier weaving in and out of traffic in the Brazilian megalopolis to make a delivery, or he’ll be fired. The music takes a relaxed tempo, but the video, much of which is taken from the motorcycle equivalent of a dashcam, races through the streets as Chao raps about his epic hero driving through rain, falling, smelling gasoline, and yet continuing to drive. “My motorcycle is a plane,” goes one Portuguese lyric. The song will appear on Chao’s upcoming album,...

Manu Chao has announced his first new full-length album in 17 years, Viva Tu. Out September 20th via Because Music, the artist has also shared the single “São Paulo Motoboy.” Stream it below.

Arriving nearly two decades after his 2007 effort, La Radiolina, Viva Tu sees Chao finding inspiration in the daily lives of those he’s met during his world travels. Through such tales, Chao seeks to address the current state of the world over the course of 13 tracks sung in Spanish, French, Portuguese, and English.

Chao is also bringing along some friends to contribute to the new record, including Willie Nelson on “Heaven’s Bad Day” and French singer Laeti on “Tu Te Vas.”

Following the release of the record’s lead single and title track “Vita Tu,” “São Paulo Motoboy” is a swirling, eclectic rock tune that serves as a tribute to the couriers of São Paulo. A previous courier himself,...