The historical series Marie-Antoinette (Season 1) is back with its Season 2, focusing on the Affair of the Necklace, a scandal that presaged the French Revolution and the downfall of France's last queen. Distributed by Banijay Rights and produced by Banijay France & Capa TV, the internationally cast series had already won over 148 territories in its first season, including the UK (BBC) and the USA (PBS).
Producers Stéphanie Chartreux (Banijay Studios), Claude Chelli, and Margaux Balsan (Capa TV), who'd previously collaborated on the series Versailles, look back on the genesis of Marie-Antoinette (Season 1), which blends historical reconstruction and intimate exploration from the point of view of history's most emblematic queen.
Distributor Claire Jago (Banijay Rights) talks about the international ambitions of the new season, even more impressive than the first, and the enthusiasm of foreign buyers.
Unifrance: What inspired you to adapt the life of Marie-Antoinette into a series, and to tell the tale of the Affair of the Necklace in Season 2?
Stéphanie Chartreux Claude Chelli Margaux Balsan: The desire to continue what we tried to do during three seasons of Versailles, i.e. to modernize history, to make it less academic, closer to us, by delving into the intimacy of the characters... And Marie-Antoinette is a resolutely modern character.
To what extent did you remain faithful to the historical accounts of Marie-Antoinette and this period in French history, and in what way did you distance yourself from them?
The producers: We always try to remain faithful to the great movements of history, and we are supported in this by Mathieu Da Vinha, the Scientific Director of the Château de Versailles. But we have a point of view on the character (her interiority, her personal relationships) that enables us to bring her to life, and to write dialogue and define emotions that are not necessarily in history books.
There are several films about Marie-Antoinette, notably the one by Sofia Coppola. Were these films a source of inspiration, even though the series is different?
The producers: Not really, no. Fiction, as we said earlier, is above all a question of point of view. Sofia Coppola's take isn't ours. And that's not a judgment: it's an excellent film.
How did you go about bringing together the artistic team for the project, and in particular the international cast?
The producers: For financial reasons, we decided to shoot the series in English. We had two casting directors: Juliette Ménager in Paris and Suzanne Smith in London. We were keen to have French actors who spoke English – and there are a lot of them among young people today – and, for the rest, English or European actors. Apart from some of the directors, the artistic team is entirely French.
The series blends historical narrative and intimate storytelling, making the figure of Marie-Antoinette, already very popular worldwide, very universal. By choosing English, was the series written from the outset to appeal to international audiences?
The producers: Yes, for sure. And we were lucky enough to win over both the BBC in England and PBS in the USA.
What do you think are the series' main points of appeal for the international market?
The producers: The iconic character Marie-Antoinette has become, especially abroad.
Claire Jago: Marie-Antoinette and this remarkable period in history have long fascinated people around the world. Audiences can immerse themselves in this entertaining and intriguing interpretation, which features quality writing, production, and performances, key factors in securing success with dramas internationally.
Season 1 was broadcast in a number of countries worldwide, where it proved a great success with audiences. What are your international ambitions for Season 2?
The producers: To maintain this audience recognition, not just in English-speaking countries. With the certainty of having made a concise, more mainstream second season, centered around the story of the Queen's necklace, which brings its share of suspense and emotion.
CJ: The series is a visually impressive production, with incredible performances that immerse the viewer in this fascinating period of history. We follow the young kings and queens as they grow into their roles and face constant questioning and judgment during their reign. Season 1 sold out in 148 territories, and buyers are once again eager to continue the adventure with Louis and Marie-Antoinette.
Media Gallery
