Academy Award-nominated French animation studio Xilam Animation is partnering with Films Grand Huit to co-produce My Life in Versailles (La Vie De Chateau), the upcoming 5 x 26’ animated series commissioned by France Télévisions for kids and families and sequel to the multi-awarded TV special of the same name. Xilam Animation will also handle international sales for both the original TV special and the series (total 6 x 26’) and will be presenting the project at MIPCOM 2023.
Set to be delivered in summer 2024, My Life in Versailles was created by Clémence Madeleine-Perdrillat (“Drops of God”, “In Therapy”, “Irresistible”) and Nathaniel H’Limi who will also both direct. The series will also be co-produced by Mélusine Productions (Luxembourg).
Set in the modern day, My Life in Versailles follows Violette, who at eight years old, suddenly becomes an orphan and is sent to live with her uncle Regis, who she barely knows. He is a gruff man and works as the caretaker of the Palace of Versailles. After a tough start, Violette finds self-confidence and begins to move on, thanks to Regis, her best friend Malcolm, her kindly social worker Genevieve and all of the new friends she makes. In this majestic place, little Violette realises that she will find unexpected refuge and a new loving family.
The original My Life in Versailles TV special (1 x 26’) was released theatrically in France in 2019 and has scored 27 international awards, including prizes 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 IndieJunior Audience Awards. It has received over 50 awards nominations, including at the Annie Awards in 2022 for ‘Best TV Production’.
The voice cast for the English-language version includes Jemma Wilcox (Trek to Yomi) as Violette, Saul Jephcott (Detroit: Become Human) as Regis and Charlotte Rampling (“DNA”, Dune) as Geneviève. For the French-language version, the cast includes Frédéric Pierrot (Polisse, En Thérapie) as Régis, Anne Alvaro (Le Goût des Autres) as Geneviève and Emi Lucas-Viguier as Violette. My Life in Versailles has also been adapted into four illustrated books by L’Ecole des loisirs, with the fifth and the sixth titles being released in 2024.
Marc du Pontavice, Founder and CEO at Xilam Animation, said: “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. 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 instalment of Violette’s story to international audiences.”
Lionel Massol, Founder and Producer at Films Grand Huit, added: “‘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. 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