Studiocanal has made a bold move at this week's London TV Screenings with the launch of their English-language action thriller series, 'Paris Has Fallen.' The series, which aims to elevate mainstream genres to a new level, is set to be the biggest TV production of 2024 for Studiocanal.
'Paris Has Fallen' boasts ambition, scale, and production values that are rarely seen in TV series, according to Anne Chérel, EVP global sales and distribution at Studiocanal. Backed by Urban Myth Films, Studiocanal, Millennium, and Butler's G-Base, the series has already secured broadcasting deals with major players like Canal+ Group and ZDF.
The challenge for 'Paris Has Fallen' lies in translating the intensity of an action thriller into an eight-hour series. The goal is to deliver eight episodes that feel like mini action movies, maintaining the energy and intensity throughout. Shot in Paris and London, the series promises epic action sequences and a unique tone for each episode.
The series writer, Howard Overman, known for his ability to develop characters in depth, aims to reveal character through action and challenging situations. With a focus on plot and character arcs, 'Paris Has Fallen' seeks to appeal to a broader audience beyond just action fans.
The series, set in the world of high political circles, features Tewfik Jallab as Vincent Taleb, a security detail member tasked with protecting a high-ranking politician from a terror group led by Jacob Pearce. The storyline promises twists and turns reminiscent of the original film trilogy.
With a strong emphasis on the iconic city of Paris, the series showcases the diverse and glamorous aspects of the city. Directed by Oded Ruskin and Hans Herbot, the production team aimed to deliver thrilling action sequences in every episode.
Studiocanal's strategic move into TV series production aligns with Canal+ Group's international expansion efforts. With a growing subscriber base outside of France, Canal+ aims to offer event content like 'Paris Has Fallen' to captivate audiences worldwide.
As Studiocanal continues to diversify its TV series portfolio, the London TV Screenings will also feature 'Families Like Ours,' the debut TV series from Danish director Thomas Vinterberg. This expansion into TV series production reflects Studiocanal's commitment to creating content for diverse audiences and platforms.
Overall, 'Paris Has Fallen' represents a significant shift from film to TV, leveraging the success of the 'Has Fallen' film franchise to create an action-packed series that promises to be a standout in the saturated TV market.