Xilam’s ‘My Life in Versailles’ Heads to MIPCOM 2023

The Oscar-nominated French animation studio and Films Grand Huit’s animated series, a sequel to the award-winning TV special of the same name, heads to Canne later this month.  

Academy Award-nominated French animation studio Xilam Animation and Films Grand Huit have teamed up to co-produce the animated series (5x26’) My Life in Versailles (La Vie De Chateau) commissioned by France Télévisions for kids and families. The show is a sequel to the award-winning TV special of the same name. Xilam Animation will also handle international sales for the original TV special and the series (total 6 x 26’) and will present the project at MIPCOM 2023 in Cannes, which runs October 16-19.

Set for delivery Summer 2024, My Life in Versailles is created and directed by Clémence Madeleine-Perdrillat (Drops of God, In Therapy, Irresistible) and Nathaniel H'Limi. The series is co-produced by Mélusine Productions (Luxembourg).

Set in the modern day, My Life in Versailles follows eight-year-old Violette, who suddenly becomes an orphan and is sent to live with her uncle Regis, whom she barely knows. He is a gruff man who works as the caretaker of the Palace of Versailles. After a difficult start, Violette gains self-confidence - and with the help of her best friend Malcolm, her kind social worker Genevieve, and all her new friends, she realizes she will find unexpected refuge and a new loving family in the majestic palace.

Released theatrically in France in 2019, the original My Life in Versailles TV special (1 x 26’) boasts multiple international awards, including accolades from Annecy International Animation Film Festival; Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film; Chicago International Children Film Festival; New York International Film Festival; Anima Festival; Imaginaria; Unifrance Youth Festival; and the IndieJunior Audience Awards. It has received over 50 award nominations, including at the 2022 Annie Awards for “Best TV Production.”

The English-language voice cast includes Jemma Wilcox (Trek to Yomi) as Violette, Saul Jephcott (Detroit: Become Human) as Regis, and Charlotte Rampling (DNA, Dune) as Geneviève. The French-language version features Frédéric Pierrot (Polisse, En Thérapie) as Régis, Anne Alvaro (Le Goût des Autres) as Geneviève, and Emi Lucas-Viguier as Violette. L’Ecole des Loisirs has adapted My Life in Versailles into four illustrated books, with two additional titles coming in 2024.               

“The original My Life in Versailles special had a remarkable performance on the awards and festival circuit, capturing the hearts of audiences and juries alike with its touching exploration of loss, family, and belonging,” commented Xilam Animation founder and CEO Marc du Pontavice. “As we continue to expand our slate of family-targeted animated series, it’s fantastic to collaborate with Films Grand Huit on this project and to bring the next installment of Violette’s story to international audiences.”

My Life in Versailles is an ambitious series, both editorially and visually, and one which we’re confident will bring many families together for an ideal co-viewing experience,” added Films Grand Huit founder and producer Lionel Massol. “We are very happy to bring Xilam Animation on board, as the quality and professionalism of the studio’s teams, combined with its strong presence in the international market, will help us elevate the story of our funny and moving characters.”

Source: Xilam Animation

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Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.