The recent Prime Video series *Culte*, launched on October 18, delves into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the iconic French reality show *Loft Story*. Centered on a production team navigating a competitive television landscape, the series features notable characters, including Loana, whose rights were legally secured for production. Loana is acknowledged as a collaborator, receiving a payment for her contributions, while other participants from *Loft Story* reportedly did not benefit similarly, highlighting the unique role she plays in this narrative.
The newly released series Culte, which premiered on October 18 on Prime Video, has sparked considerable buzz. Viewers are captivated by this exploration of the inner workings of the iconic French reality show Loft Story. Culte offers a fascinating and entertaining behind-the-scenes perspective, primarily focusing on the production side. The series, described in the credits as “loosely adapted from the reality show Loft Story,” chronicles the creation of this groundbreaking program that debuted in 2001 and achieved exceptional popularity.
The storyline centers on a production company led by a new generation attempting to carve out its niche in a highly competitive landscape dominated by major networks TF1 and M6. The series is produced by Alexia Laroche-Joubert, who also played a significant role in Loft Story. In the series, she is portrayed by the talented Anaïde Rozam, alongside César Domboy (Outlander) as Raphaël, the production group’s director, Sami Outalbali (Sex Éducation) as Karim, a crew member and caster, and Marie Colomb as the unforgettable Loana.
Involvement of Former Loft Contestant
Involvement of Former Loft Contestant
Loana’s character is pivotal to the narrative as the series depicts the backstage formation of Loft Story. As reported by Télé Loisirs, it was crucial for the production company, Screen Line Production, part of Banijay France and helmed by Alexia Laroche-Joubert, to legally secure the project. This is especially important for a show that intertwines real-life events with fictional elements, bringing the life of a public figure into focus. In 2023, Loana had disclosed that she had assigned the rights to her two autobiographical works, Elle m’appelle Miette (2001) and Si dure est la nuit, si tendre est la vie (2018).
Loana received initial compensation for transferring these rights, which was between 1,000 and 10,000 euros. A source affiliated with the series has confirmed that Loana reached an agreement with production, being credited as a “collaborator” in the series. Reports indicate that she received between 15,000 and 20,000 euros, not including additional bonuses. But what is the reason behind this payment?
Understanding Loana’s Payment for the Culte Series
Understanding Loana’s Payment for the Culte Series
As per insights from the same source, Loana’s compensation consists of two parts: an “author’s lump sum” due to several meetings she had with series co-creators Matthieu Roumain and Nicolas Slomka, and a legal indemnity. This arrangement allows her to transfer her personality rights and image rights to the production team. This step is designed to safeguard the production against potential controversies or legal actions from public figures after the broadcast.
If Loana indeed received payment for her involvement, Télé Loisirs notes that she is the only former contestant from Loft Story to have been compensated. While other trailblazers from the first season appeared only briefly, Jean-Edouard, who had a slightly larger role, reportedly received nothing. Meanwhile, Violette Petruciani, Loana’s mother and another character in the series, is said to have also received compensation amounting to “a few thousand euros.” However, this has not been officially confirmed by the Banijay production company, which has opted to remain silent due to confidentiality agreements.