PARIS and BEVERLY HILLS – Netflix will begin production on its first French-language original series in spring 2015, with its expected debut later that year in all of its territories.
The Internet TV network described Marseille as an eight episode tale of power, corruption and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the French port city. Shot entirely in France, Marseille is created and written by Dan Franck, writer of La Separation and Les Hommes de l'ombre and co-writer of Carlos, which won a Golden Globe for best miniseries and a Cesar for most promising actor, Edgar Ramirez, and was nominated for 36 international awards, including two Emmys.
Marseille is produced by Paris-based Federation Entertainment, led by Pascal Breton, producer of the hit French series Dolmen and Sous le Soleil.
"Marseille is an ambitious, diabolically smart fictitious exploration of local politics in one of the world's most vibrant and fascinating cities", said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos, in the news release. "We are delighted to be working with some of the best storytellers in France to deliver a series that erases the line between film and television."
"Netflix has given us a blank page to create a House of Cards in French that breaks through unspoken hypocrisy”, added Franck. “This is a writer's dream and a great opportunity for French producers and creators to enter a new world."
