Mediawan’s Imagissime label and Atlas V have joined forces to produce a new surreal sci-fi comedy series called “Paradoxes.” This innovative series combines live action with generative AI technology and features a talented cast including Xavier Lacaille, Zita Hanrot, Nora Hamzawi, and Oussama Kheddam.
Arte France is co-producing the series and will stream it on its platform, while Mediawan Rights will handle international distribution. Currently in production until next month, “Paradoxes” has received R&D support from Google for its AI elements, as well as funding from CNC and the Île-de-France region.
Directed by Pierre Zandrowicz, known for his work on VR short films like “I, Philip,” the six-part series follows the story of Roman, a journalist sent to report on a rare oak species in a forest. However, things take a strange turn when Roman gets caught in a quantum anomaly created by a scientist named Lea. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the alternate zone within the anomaly is actually a manifestation of Roman’s subconscious mind, filled with his innermost thoughts, memories, and fears.
Zandrowicz drew inspiration from the works of filmmakers like Michel Gondry, Spike Jonze, and Charlie Kaufman, aiming to blur the lines between reality and the subconscious in “Paradoxes.” This series marks Atlas V’s first venture into original live-action content and represents a new direction for Imagissime, known for its successful documentaries and now branching out into fiction.
Imagissime founder Élodie Polo Ackerman expressed her excitement for the project, highlighting the innovative storytelling approach of Atlas V. She praised Zandrowicz’s talent in exploring mental health themes through a unique and absurd lens, comparing it to acclaimed series like “Patrick Melrose” and “Vie Privée.”
COO of Atlas V, Oriane Hurard, revealed that “Paradoxes” was born out of Zandrowicz’s experimentation with generative AI technology. Despite its cutting-edge visual effects, the series followed a traditional writing process, with experienced comedy writers collaborating with the director.
The visual pipeline of “Paradoxes” is complex, blending traditional live-action with generative AI for the inner psyche scenes. With the support of Arte’s digital creation unit, the series incorporates advanced techniques like green-screen setups, 3D mapping, and motion capture for seamless transitions between the real world and the characters’ subconscious.
Unexpectedly, the French Army and Mission Cinema joined the project after viewing a prototype video, providing access to military locations and offering expertise to enhance the authenticity of certain scenes. The series has filmed at military bases and studios, further enriching the production value.
“Paradoxes” is seen as a natural progression of Atlas V’s collaboration with Arte, pushing the boundaries of storytelling with cutting-edge technology. Polo-Ackermann emphasized that the series is not just an experimental project but a narrative-driven exploration of the mind, blending emotional depth with sharp comedy.
In conclusion, “Paradoxes” represents a groundbreaking approach to storytelling, combining innovative technology with compelling characters and a surreal narrative that promises to captivate audiences.
