International buyers are reuniting at Le Havre on the northern coast of France for this year’s Unifrance Rendez-vous TV Market.
Highlights at the event, which will be held from September 1st to 5th, include the script series “Vendetta,” from the French TV distribution, which tells the story of the Corsican family that spans the 1990s and present day. Media One’s Rights “After Us” is about an underground organisation trying to lure the children of corporate leaders as part of the fight against climate inaction, and about season 2 of “Escort Boys” where the four main characters reunite as they return to sex work following the loss of a hotel venture.
Rendezvous also presents the federal international documentary, Nature: A Call for Reconciliation. This traces the history of life, from its universe’s origins to its current challenges. And we celebrate the 55th anniversary of the latest season of the festival distribution animated series “Barba Papa: One Big Happy Family!”
This choice is well illustrated by the wide range of French content offerings.
Jill Perrison
Marie Rouge/Unifance
Speaking to Variety, Unifans President Jill Perrison said: “The French television market is characterized by diversity with strong performance across all major genres: fiction, animation and documentary.
“In recent years, we have seen a noticeable increase in scripted content, including “Tom & Lola,” which has become an international success story, especially with misdemeanor series such as “HPI”, “Astrid etraphaëlle” and “Tom & Lola.” ”
At the same time, France is developing high-end series such as “Prophet” and “Etty.” Both are screening at this year’s Venice Film Festival, Perrison adds.
Domestic production also continues to attract audiences with international streamers, he notes.
“The French originals have been performing strongly in films like “Lost Bullet” by Guillaume Pierret, starring Alban Lenoir, who stars Guillaume Canet on Netflix, or “Ad Vitam.”
“Adaptation further amplifies the overseas visibility of French creations,” Perrison points to US versions of hit formats such as “Bureau” and “HPI,” namely Paramount+ and Showtime’s “agency” and ABC’s “high potential.”
“This growing international presence emphasizes the rise of French soft power, based on both talent and its production. Meanwhile, older series continue to resonate around the world, especially in linear channels, with titles such as “Profilage” (“Murder in Paris”) and “Candy Noia.” ”
While the French show continues to be internationally successful, this year’s rendezvous will occur amid an increasingly challenging market situation, Perrison notes.
“French television production is dynamic and internationally visible,” he emphasizes. “However, independent production and distribution face increasing pressure when competing with streamers and integrated media groups. In this context, international co-production plays an important role not only in financing projects but also in promoting wider distribution in co-production regions.
“At the same time, buyers are forced to reduce travel, markets are forced to reinvent themselves, broadcasters face the challenges of featured, platforms have to adapt. We are witnessing the overall slowdown in market attendance, spurring today’s uncertain geopolitical context.”
Nevertheless, last year’s transition from Biarritz to Le Herble has been a success for Rendezvous.
“The first edition of Le Habre received a warm welcome, especially thanks to strong support from both the city of Le Habre and the Normandy region. Our trade market setup has proven to be an efficient tool for French sales companies.”
Mayor Le Havre, Mayor Edouard Philippe and president of CNC Gaëtan Bruel will be taking part in the opening night ceremony at Andre Marrock, the city’s Museum of Modern Art, on Monday, September 1st.
Rendezvs moved to gear on Tuesday, in addition to roundtables focusing on the current situation facing international markets, as well as facts, numbers and conversations with key industry representatives. For example, Pélisson discusses the latest data on digital distribution with Yannick Carriou, CEO of Research Group Mediamétrie.
The event also introduces visitors to over 500 programs.
The French TV distribution will be holding GaLivening on Tuesday with a presentation on “Vendetta.”
Normandy President Helbe Morin welcomes guests at a nearby fecamp and the delight of the cuisine hosted by local chefs.
“We are very excited to be able to release this second edition at Le Havre, as we expect to see around 140 buyers attend despite the challenging market context,” Pélisson said.
Approximately 50 leading retailers, including Gaumont, MK2, Studiocanal, Studio TF1, Arte Distribution, Mediatoon, Xilam Animation and Java Films, will be introducing the latest titles at the event.
“I believe this year’s Landesboo will be a great opportunity for our members to hold many productive meetings, exchange businesses, create businesses and get good sales flows.”
