A significant collaboration has been forged between French production giant Marvelous Productions and Greek counterpart Kapa Studios. This alliance, set to kick off with the historical drama "Nana," signals a strategic move towards a deeper integration of European cinematic talent and resources. The partnership, officially announced at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, is designed to facilitate the co-creation of feature films and television series that resonate with global audiences while embracing the distinct cultural narratives of France and Greece.
The inaugural venture under this new pact is "Nana," a period piece helmed by the acclaimed director Olivier Dahan. Dahan is renowned for his biographical works, notably "La Vie en Rose," which garnered an Academy Award for Marion Cotillard's portrayal of Edith Piaf, and "Simone: Woman of the Century," a poignant biopic about Holocaust survivor Simone Veil. This adaptation of Émile Zola's classic novel enjoys support from prominent French broadcasters France Télévision and Canal+, as well as the CNC, with ARP handling co-production and international distribution. Arthur Cohen of Momentum Entertainment played a crucial role in brokering this agreement and serves as an executive producer.
This initial film project is envisioned as a foundational step for an expansive and enduring collaboration. Following "Nana," Marvelous Productions and Kapa Studios intend to jointly develop a television series, with plans for additional film and television ventures to follow. Romain Le Grand and Vivien Aslanian, co-founders of Marvelous Productions, expressed their excitement about working with Kapa Studios on "Nana," emphasizing how the partnership will enhance the international scope of their current and future endeavors. Giannis Karagiannis, CEO of Kapa Studios, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the unique filmmaking heritages of France and Greece and the opportunity to combine their creative power for projects with global reach.
Greece's burgeoning reputation as a production hub is a key factor in this partnership. The country offers an attractive 40% cash rebate for productions, and Kapa Studios has recently expanded its facilities, adding two new sound stages, each spanning 20,000 square feet. Marvelous Productions, established in 2017 by Le Grand and Aslanian after their 19-year tenure at Pathé, has an impressive track record, including 15 films produced or co-produced since their first-look deal with Warner Bros. Their successes include Dahan's "Simone: Woman of the Century," a major French box office hit in 2022, and the César-nominated comedy "Bernadette." Kapa Studios, with over five decades of industry experience, boasts the largest sound stage facilities in Greece, encompassing 12 sound stages totaling 250,000 square feet across 25 acres, along with extensive backlots and supporting spaces.
The strategic alliance between Marvelous Productions and Kapa Studios, commencing with Olivier Dahan's "Nana," marks a pivotal moment for European cinema. By pooling their creative and logistical resources, these two industry leaders are poised to deliver a diverse range of high-quality films and television series that will captivate audiences worldwide and further solidify Europe's position in the global entertainment landscape.
