Authentic Prod Lifts the Curtain on Montmartre for TF1

15 November, 2024

Authentic Prod, part of Banijay France, today announces Montmartre, a new eight-part historical drama in co-production with TF1, set against the pulsating and uncompromising backdrop of the iconic Parisian neighbourhood, at the turn of the 19th century.

Created by Julien Simonet and Brigitte Bémol, and directed by Louis Choquette, this visually stunning series captures the bustling cabaret scene of Montmartre, where Céleste (Alice Dufour, Alphonse), a determined Cancan dancer, sacrifices her reputation by becoming Paris’s first nude performer, in order to fund the search for her long-lost siblings, separated after their father’s murder. Across town, Arsène (Victor Meutelet, The Bonfire of Destiny), a wealthy young engineer, confronts societal pressures as he breaks off an arranged marriage to embrace his hidden love for men, unearthing deep family secrets. Meanwhile, Rose (Claire Romain, Cat’s Eyes), a laundress with dreams of a simple life, narrowly escapes forced confinement in a brothel, battling for survival. Unaware of their shared blood ties, the trio’s fates intertwine, converging in the turbulent streets of Montmartre. The cast also includes Hugo Becker, Mathilde Seigner, Thibault de Montalembert and Mikaël Mittelstadt.

Aline Panel, CEO of Authentic Prod and Producer Estelle Boutière say: “The cabaret scene of 19th-century Montmartre offers an atmospheric backdrop to explore timeless themes of family, love, identity and resilience. These characters challenge societal conventions of the time as they pursue love and freedom on their own terms. We are proud to present this drama to TF1’s audience, expertly balancing historical intrigue and cultural relevance, with a compelling character-driven narrative.”

Acquired by Banijay France in November 2023, Authentic Prod, led by Aline Panel, has delivered hits like SamLe Temps est assassin, and Je te promets, the French adaptation of This Is Us (orginally produced by 20th Televisions). A key player in the French and international market, the company specialises in high-quality emotionally engaging storytelling, often exploring themes of family, identity, and resilience.

Other scripted labels within Banijay France’s portfolio include Banijay Studios France (Marie Antoinette), Shine Fiction (The Family Detective, Carême), Fiction’Air (Les Disparus de la Forêt Noire), Terence Films (Rivière-Perdue), Montmartre (Alphonse, Freedom), Screenline (Culte), DMLS Films and Marathon (The Beauty and the Baker)