On the set of ‘Plus belle la vie, encore plus belle,’ the meticulous script serves as a guide for the cast and crew, who explore diverse themes, even quirky ones like a broken fridge. Weekly confidential meetings help writers craft engaging storylines, focusing on cliffhangers that keep viewers intrigued. With emotional depth and a blend of crime and romance, the writers ensure accuracy and coherence, culminating in a polished final product that captivates audiences.
Behind the Scenes of a Beloved Soap Opera
On the set of a film, the script serves as the ultimate guide, akin to a sacred text, meticulously followed by everyone involved—from the sound engineer to the director, and of course, the actors who must memorize every line. This is particularly true for the cast of the long-running soap opera ‘Plus belle la vie, encore plus belle,’ which has captivated audiences on TF1 since its debut 18 years ago. Actor Laurent Kérusoré, who portrays Thomas Marci, shares, “We’ve explored all kinds of topics. Believe it or not, we even had a storyline about a broken fridge. When you first read it, you might think, ‘No way we’ll film that.’ But surprisingly, it works!”
The Intricate Process of Scriptwriting
As filming progresses, the team is currently rehearsing episode 147, which centers around themes of love. But how do these compelling dialogues come to life? The creative minds behind the scripts convene every Monday in highly confidential meetings, ensuring no spoilers escape before the episodes air. These sessions begin with a discussion of constraints, such as actor availability and current events to weave into the narrative. Mariem Hamida, the collection director, emphasizes the importance of location, saying, “I need it to take place at the Mistral, to reunite with friends and see the lawyer again.” She confirms that the show continues to feature antagonists intent on causing trouble for the protagonists.
One of the greatest challenges for the writers is crafting what they refer to as ‘the cliffhanger.’ “Every evening, we strive to create a moment that leaves viewers wondering, ‘What will happen tomorrow?'” highlights Hamida. The screenwriters collaborate in small groups to develop the episodes, ensuring the characters experience a range of emotions while navigating various dilemmas. Benoit Diderot, a screenwriter, notes that the primary storyline often revolves around crime, while romantic and social themes serve as secondary plots.
As if piecing together a complex puzzle, the writers are cautious about the integrity of the story. “One day, artificial intelligence might take over this process, but originality will still require a wealth of data,” warns Hamida. Every line of dialogue is carefully crafted before being sent to the studio in Marseille, where on-set writer Jeanne Brundu plays a crucial role in maintaining accuracy. “It’s not THE judge, but THE judge,” she corrects an actor, ensuring every detail is precise. She guides the teams through the filming, especially when they encounter confusion due to shooting scenes out of sequence. “I help them make decisions to avoid errors,” she explains. The entire process culminates in weeks of dedicated effort, leading to a few words that audiences will hear in a whole new light. Cut!