Xilam & Films Grand Huit Partner for My Life in Versailles Series

Xilam Animation has teamed with Films Grand Huit to co-produce My Life in Versailles (La Vie De Chateau), an animated series based on the TV special of the same name.

Set in the modern day, the show follows 8-year-old Violette, who suddenly becomes an orphan and is sent to live with her uncle, the caretaker of the Palace of Versailles. While there, she finds a new loving family with her uncle, a new best friend and her kind social worker.

The voice cast for the English-language version includes Jemma Wilcox (Trek to Yomi), Saul Jephcott (Detroit: Become Human) and Charlotte Rampling (Dune). The French-language version cast features Frédéric Pierrot (Polisse, En Thérapie), Anne Alvaro (Le Goût des Autres) and Emi Lucas-Viguier.

The My Life in Versailles series is set to be delivered in summer 2024. It was created by Clémence Madeleine-Perdrillat (Drops of God, In Therapy, Irresistible) and Nathaniel H’Limi, who will also both direct. The series will be co-produced by Mélusine Productions (Luxembourg).

The series builds off of the original My Life in Versailles TV special, which was also released theatrically in France in 2019. It received 27 international awards.

The TV special has also been adapted into four illustrated books by L’Ecole des loisirs, with the fifth and sixth titles set to be released in 2024.

Marc du Pontavice, founder and CEO at Xilam Animation, said: “The original My Life in Versailles special had a remarkable performance on the awards and festival circuit, capturing the hearts of audiences and juries alike with its touching exploration of loss, family and belonging. As we continue to expand our slate of family-targeted animated series, it’s fantastic to collaborate with Films Grand Huit on this project and to bring the next installment of Violette’s story to international audiences.”

Lionel Massol, founder and producer at Films Grand Huit, added: “My Life in Versailles is an ambitious series, both editorially and visually, and one that we’re confident will bring many families together for an ideal co-viewing experience. We are very happy to bring Xilam Animation on board, as the quality and professionalism of the studio’s teams, combined with its strong presence in the international market, will help us elevate the story of our funny and moving characters.”