Gaumont to Adapt About Anthony

Gaumont has acquired the format for the series About Anthony, which is currently being developed by ComediHa! in collaboration with Quebecor Content.

Inspired by writer Cathleen Rouleau’s own life, About Anthony tells the story of Julie, who starts a new relationship and finds herself drawn into an unconventional family. She soon takes on the role of stepmom to her boyfriend’s two kids, including Anthony—a loveable 9-year-old who happens to be physically disabled, intellectually challenged, autistic, non-verbal and a high-functioning epileptic.

The comedy-drama is written by Rouleau and scripted by Benoît Pelletier. The original Québec version of About Anthony will be directed by Podz (Lupin, Vikings, Cardinal, Mafia inc., Minuit le soir, 19-2, Three Pines).

The development of the project About Anthony was made possible due to Quebecor Content, the Canada Media Fund (CMF), the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC) and AMI-télé.

Rouleau commented, “Living with someone with a disability means having to deal with a thousand challenges and setbacks while constantly hoping for the best. But it also means laughing till it hurts at the smallest victory. It means discovering what unconditional love truly is. And it means collecting countless memories and stories every day. Anthony has changed my life—and I want for him to change the lives of everyone in the world.”

Isabelle Degeorges, president of Gaumont Television France, said,  “About Anthony is so successful in treating disability as more than an issue but a part of life itself. This series is a must-watch. It’s compassionate, funny and a welcome break from the doom and gloom of the past couple of years. We can’t wait to share it with you!”

Sylvain Parent-Bédard, president and CEO of ComediHa!, added, “It’s a great source of pride that the series About Anthony has moved Gaumont’s senior management to such an extent that they decided to acquire it and adapt it for the French market, even before the series has been produced here in Québec.”

“We’re thrilled that this wonderful series is already generating international interest,” said Yann Paquet, VP of strategy and international affairs at Quebecor Content. “We couldn’t be happier about this collaboration with Gaumont and our partner ComediHa!, which will shine a light on the talent of the show’s creators around the world.”