Adapted from the French graphic novels for younger readers, "Les Aventures fantastiques de Sacré Cœur," the animated series takes young viewers on a journey to a revisited Belle Époque Paris, where ingenious inventions and mythical creatures clash at the foot of the capital's most iconic monuments.
Aimed at young viewers, Montclair & The Mechanical Mysteries, consisting of twenty-six 22-minute episodes, combines adventure, fantasy, and comedy in a rich and vibrant steampunk universe. The series is driven by a dynamic narrative and strong visual identity, supported by ambitious 2D animation.
Produced by Ankama Animations, Belvision, and Pictanovo, and distributed internationally by Mediatoon Distribution, the series is currently in production and will be broadcast this spring on France Télévisions. It has already been pre-sold by TV5MONDE.
In this interview, Patricia Robert, Director of Audiovisual and Executive Producer at Ankama Animations, and Frédéric Gentet, Head of Sales at Mediatoon Distribution, discuss the project's origins, its narrative and artistic choices, and its major strengths in appealing to foreign markets and enhancing its international reach.
Unifrance: The animated series is adapted from the graphic novels for younger readers, “Les Aventures Fantastiques de Sacré Cœur.” What motivated you to bring this work to the screen?
Patricia Robert: The 16 volumes comprising the graphic novel have already won over thousands of young readers thanks to their visual richness and inventive heroes. The character of Montclair embodies creativity and team spirit, values that are very dear to us. And all this in an iconic setting: Paris during the Belle Époque. The adaptation into an animated series quickly became an obvious choice. Together with our partners, we have enriched the universe of the novels by integrating a background storyline to give more depth to the characters and appeal to a wide audience.
What are the series' major draw cards for appealing to foreign markets and enhancing its international reach?
Frédéric Gentet: Montclair & The Mechanical Mysteries draws on several strengths to appeal to an international audience. Paris, a legendary city, embodies a universal realm that has always fascinated people and captured their imaginations. As in Miraculous, where the French capital becomes a character in its own right, or in Mystery Lane, which sets London in the heart of its plot, our series transforms the City of Light into a veritable playground. In addition, the steampunk universe and a graphic approach inspired by a retro anime style bring a breath of fresh air, and initial feedback from our partners confirms enthusiasm. Add to that endearing heroes, a gallery of colorful secondary characters, and imaginatively revisited settings: all elements that make the series immediately accessible and attractive.
Each episode pivots around a new invention in response to the appearance of an evil creature. Why did you choose this narrative structure?
P.R.: We wanted creativity to be the driving force behind the series. Each invention is a challenge and a promise of adventure, both in the air and underwater. This approach ensures a fast pace for plots as varied as the antagonists: a werewolf, a magician, robots, vampires, and even dinosaur skeletons! It also reflects the personality of Montclair, a child who transforms his ideas into solutions to protect those he loves, with the help of his friends.
The secondary characters and fantastical creatures bring a strong comedic dimension to the series. How does this balance between humor and adventure enhance its appeal to international audiences?
F.G.: The series combines adventure and mystery in a fantasy setting, but humor remains a key element. This is reflected in the camaraderie between the heroes and, above all, in the cast of endearing creatures, who are sometimes frightening, often absurd, but always highly visual and comical. In addition, Montclair's companions also bring a quirky touch that enriches the series' dynamic.
The series is set in Paris during the Belle Époque and revisits places and figures that are central to the collective imagination. What role does the city play in the narrative's progression?
F.G.: Paris is not just a backdrop: it's a key player in the series. Its iconic monuments open up endless possibilities for the plot. Over the course of twenty-six episodes, Montclair and his companions dive into the depths of the Seine, battle mummies in the Louvre, channel the gargoyles of Notre Dame, foil the plans of the Phantom of the Opera, and save the Eiffel Tower from disappearing. Each monument becomes the setting for a spectacular adventure, always with a touch of fantasy. For broadcasters, this guarantees an instantly recognizable and attractive visual universe.
You opted for 2D animation to bring this magical universe to life. Could you tell us more about this artistic choice?
P.R.: We chose 2D in order to remain faithful to the world of the Sacré Cœur books, while developing a new artistic direction inspired both by the fantasy and charm of the original illustrations and by the iconic Paris of the Belle Époque painters. This choice is also in line with the expertise of Ankama Animations, a major player and pillar of 2D animation in France
The series will be broadcast on France Télévisions in France and has already pre-sold to TV5MONDE. What are the next steps for international distribution?
F.G.: The series is still in production. We presented the first images at MIPCOM and the response was very positive. With delivery scheduled for spring 2026, the Unifrance Rendez-Vous in Paris will be the ideal opportunity to continue the discussions we've started and shine a spotlight on the first episodes. And what better setting than the City of Light to present a story that takes place there?
