Cher firefighters proud to have contributed to JJ Annaud’s film

We are at the heart of the action alongside the firefighters in particular. The director shot for two weeks in Bourges in March 2021. The St-Etienne de Bourges cathedral in a way foreshadows Notre-Dame de Paris and indeed presents certain similarities, interesting for the reality of the decorations. The Cher firefighters contributed to the filming: they provided fire safety, provided equipment and four of them took part in the scenes.

It was Captain David Ducellier, who coordinated the cooperation between the Cher firefighters and Jean-Jacques Annaud’s team. His role was also ensure the security of the cathedral, and its access: ” I attached great importance to ensuring that the access to the cathedral remained clear, including outside in case the firefighters had to really intervene in the event of a problem. It wasn’t complicated because the film crew had experience and knew how to handle it. There was never any additional fire risk related to the filming of the film. All that was electricity was not taken from the cathedral of Bourges, but from groups outside. ”

Four firefighters from Cher were also hired on the set. Among them, Mark. This former Paris firefighter (he spent nine years there) chained nearly 30 days in Bourges, Sens and St-Denis: ” I participated for scenes of saving works, scenes of panic on the forecourt. The collapse of the spire, recreated in the studio, is very impressive. It was a firefighter’s job but also an actor’s job. Mr Annaud really wanted the reality of the gestures and also the emotion of course. Always listening, he’s really a great person. “ Kind and professional. Captain Ducellier was also impressed with the director: “He is a gentleman who is still 77 years old. He chained fifteen days to stay on his feet, always attentive, mastering every detail. Really, he commands respect. ”

A scene planned in Bourges could not be shot there: ” It was an outdoor scene in the forecourt with burning firebrands falling” says Captain Ducellier. ” Finally, it was necessary to interrupt everything because it was too windy. . A simple look was enough between Mr Annaud and me. We immediately decided to stop.” This scene was recreated in the studio.