Unité de Production working flat out with Sparring

by Fabien Lemercier

30/05/2016 - The company is shooting Samuel Jouy’s feature debut and Cyril Mennegun’s La Consolation, while also preparing Nabil Ayouch’s next film

Unité de Production working flat out with Sparring

Actor and director Samuel Jouy (© François Rousseau)

Founded by Bruno Nahon (known for producing titles such as Louise Wimmer [+see also:
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interview: Boris Lojkine
film profile], as well as the television series Ainsi Soient-ils) in May 2014, Parisian outfit Unité de Production, which opened its accounts with Mathieu Vadepied’s Learn By Heart [+see also:
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In mid-May, shooting for actor Samuel Jouy’s directorial debut, Sparring [+see also:
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film profile] in 2014 and will go on to film for Michael Haneke’s Happy End next), French-Finnish musician Olivia Merilahti (of indie-pop duo The Dø), professional boxer and former WBA superlightweight champion Souleymane MBaye, and Lyes Salem (The Man from Oran [+see also:
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interview: Guillaume and Stéphane Mala…
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Co-written by Samuel Jouy, with the collaboration of Clément Roussier and Jérémie Guez, the script centers arround Steve Landry, a boxer who has lost more fights than he's won. But he's never given up on his career. Nearing the end, aged over 40, he has one last chance to shine in the eyes of his wife and kids: become the sparring partner of the great boxer Tarek M'Barek. Then again, he could just as easily get burnt…

The film, principal photography for which will run until June in the Paris region and Le Havre, has been purchased by Canal+ and OCS, has received an advance on receipts from the CNC as well as backing from the Normandy Region and support from Sofica Sofitvciné 4 and Cinémage 11. EuropaCorp will be responsible for the film’s French distribution and international sales.

Last Friday, Unité de Production also kicked off the shoot for La Consolation [+see also:
trailer
film profile] (working title: Daniel), Cyril Mennegun’s second feature film, following Louise Wimmer (winner of the 2013 César Award for Best First Film). The cast features Alexandre Guansé, Corinne Masiero and Elisabeth Ventura. Written by the director, the script follows a young pianist on the brink of success who leaves Paris abruptly after receiving a letter from a woman he does not know – something that will lead him to one of the most important meetings of his life. Cine+ has already bought the rights to the film, which is supported by Pictanovo. Shooting for the movie will take place in the Paris and Nord-Pas-de-Calais regions before wrapping on 23 June. French distribution will be handled by Haut et Court, with Pyramide responsible for international sales.