Ahead of the premiere, Director Cédric Frémeaux shared his memories of the journey that has been bringing this loveable character from page to screen in an ambitious 52x11-minute series, premiering this fall on TF1, RTBF, Ketnet and RTS. At MIPJunior, it’s not often that a little creeper gets put out on center-stage. But on Oct. 10, as “Migali” makes its world premiere in front of buyers from all across the globe, a tiny spider princess seems to be set on weaving webs of laughter and fun at the unmissable Cannes children’s TV market.
Produced by Adelaïde Terme (Easy Peasy Entertainment, the production/licensing arm of French Auzou Publishing Group) along with Bardaf! Productions in co-production with RTBF, Ketnet, RTS and TF1, “Migali” is a 52x11minute series centered on six-year-old Migali, a spider princess determined to become queen. As she heads to the Royal Academy, where princes and princesses of all kingdoms learn to control their abilities, Migali brings her boundless energy and extraodinary web-weaving skills to the school, meeting a gallery of other quirky characters from all size and shapes.
Facing (and, more often than not, provoking) chaos in her daily life, Migali stays happy, merry and positive, meeting each challenge as a new, fun adventure. An adaptation of the eponymous comic book series by Alexandre Arlène and Fabien Ockö Lambert, “Migali” is directed by Cédric Frémeaux (“50/50 Heroes”). Ahead of the premiere, Frémeaux spoke with Variety about the smooth journey that has been bringing this loveable, quirky spider princess from page to screen.
I was captivated by these worlds. Growing up, it quickly became clear to me that I wanted to work in that industry someday.” During high school, Frémeaux found his way as an intern at Ankama, the French multimedia giant behind videogame hit “Dofus,” subsequent animated series “Wakfu” and manga hit “Radiant.” After studying animation at LISAA in Paris, he started his career as a storyboard artist, dabbling with editing and directing on trailers and teasers. What struck me with this character is how radiant and fun she was, as a heroin.
With our target audience [kids 5-8], it’s very important to connect with a protagonist. And with Migali, they definitely can as she faces the sames challenges that they do.” Migali, who Frémeaux frames as “Spiderman’s young cousin living in a world of unicorns, dragons and potions,” was brought to screen in close connection with the author duo and Terme, who saw the potential for an animated series even before the first comic was published. Since then, Migali’s books have sold more than 150,000 copies in France, and boasts nine volumes already.
This success fueled Frémeaux’s enthusiasm even more, as he prepared himself for the challenge of bringing this character to the screen. Children from this age are much smart than we think, and if you’re lazy in your writing, they will see it instantly. Today, they have access to so much content.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
