With Historical Docs and Blockbuster Series, France’s Normandy Takes the Stage

As a lifelong resident of Normandy, I can confidently say that our coastline has become the unsung hero of global television productions. From historical documentaries to political thrillers, fantasy series, and even sea monster epics, it seems like every genre is finding its home here.

Imprinted with a rich historical tapestry and adorned with a rustic charm due to time and weather, the Normandy coast will continue to leave an indelible mark on the television backdrop even as attendees of this week’s Unifrance Rendez-Vous in Le Havre conclude their visit.

This year, as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of Operation Overlord, coastal areas are expected to take center stage in historical documentaries from various parts of the world. Meanwhile, both local and overseas film crews are venturing out towards rough terrain, seeking suitable locations for their productions.

Created by Mediawan’s CC&C division and distributed by France TV Distribution, the longstanding “Apocalypse” documentary brand celebrated its 80th anniversary with “Apocalypse: D-Day,” a two-part series that breathed new life into archival material using advanced colorization and remastering techniques. Homegrown tools were employed to convert black and white footage into vibrant hues, blending traditional processing methods with artificial intelligence to create a stunning effect on the footage.

Julia Schulte from France TV Distribution points out, “It’s not appropriate to merely paint everything with bright colors.” Every detail was based on thorough historical research, ensuring accuracy in uniform colors and tank hues. Since we’ve always known this tale in shades of gray, seeing these vivid images felt disorienting – like they could have been filmed just yesterday. It was as if you were actually present at the beaches of Normandy.”

With Historical Docs and Blockbuster Series, France’s Normandy Takes the Stage

With funding from the Normandie Images audiovisual commission, shows such as the political thriller “Sanctuary of Grace” and the ARTE-broadcast art documentary “1874: The Dawn of Impressionism” have showcased diverse aspects of Normandy on screen.

In my humble opinion as a film enthusiast, it’s fascinating to see how global filmmakers are tapping into the eerie post-apocalyptic charm of coastal landscapes. One such example is AMC’s “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon,” which masterfully utilizes otherworldly settings like Omaha Beach and the legendary Mont-Saint-Michel, transforming these iconic locations into haunting backdrops for the show’s gripping narrative.

Instead of letting the Americans dominate, France Television is now preparing a genre-bending blockbuster featuring a sea monster causing chaos – you guessed it – right in that same location.

Created by Mintee Studio and Thalie Images, “Sea Shadows” is a captivating blend of Spielberg-like fantasy and a suspenseful detective storyline. The narrative revolves around an oceanographer unraveling the mysteries behind strange assaults in her coastal hometown. Targeted towards a younger, tech-savvy demographic, this project emphasizes top-notch production quality and visual appeal, with the dramatic coastal landscapes of Normandy playing a crucial role due to their stunning beauty.

“Schulte remarks, ‘[Those locations] enabled us to connect with English-speaking and Nordic productions of a similar nature.’ The viewers anticipate atmospheres that are somber and illuminated by cold light, and we were successful in achieving this, as well as establishing a genuine French identity for the series by drawing inspiration from Normandy’s breathtaking landscapes.”

With Historical Docs and Blockbuster Series, France’s Normandy Takes the Stage

2024-09-06 09:47

With Historical Docs and Blockbuster Series, France’s Normandy Takes the Stage

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