ANNE VIAU EN
Head of Drama at TF1
Why are diversity and inclusion important in TF1 drama ?
Because TF1 aims to reach as many people as possible and has a very close relationship with its viewers. So we have to hold up a mirror to society and social trends. TF1 has been a pioneer in a number of areas, for example through series like Une famille formidable and Joséphine Ange Gardien, whose storylines have often revolved around the acceptance of difference. In recent years these themes have become more prominent in our programmes, from cultural, racial and social diversity to issues around gender, sexual orientation and disability, with programmes like Louise, Il est elle, Au-delà des nuages and Je te promets. More recently, we have just shot Handigang, featuring Théo Curin, a Paralympic swimmer and an incredible actor. The film deals with the issue of accessibility, a highly practical problem encountered every day by people with motor disabilities.
In what way are these themes incorporated into our editorial policy ?
These subjects are central to our editorial line. We address them in two ways: in the way we represent characters and in the subjects we address.
Representation is a fundamental question because it’s important for viewers to be able to recognise themselves in the characters on screen.
We want to show all kinds of diversity, in its broadest sense.
We are keen to show people from diverse social backgrounds encountering problems that viewers may experience themselves, for example in our daily soaps.
As regards issues around diversity, the series Je te promets deals with the question of origins, difference, casual racism. Disability is also a theme that we frequently address through the prism of inclusion in school and society, with dramas like Mention particulière, whose main character has Down’s Syndrome, and Les bracelets rouges.
How do you decide to tackle a particular topic ?
That comes naturally with the projects that producers pitch to us. In parallel – especially since the arrival of Ara Aprikian as Executive Vice President, Content – TF1 has been pursuing a proactive policy on these issues.
We’re in tune with the zeitgeist because these subjects are increasingly front and centre of society’s concerns.
How do you work to ensure representivity ?
At casting meetings, we urge producers to put forward actors from diverse backgrounds. We read screenplays based on these topics with great attention: as with all proposals, we’re looking for a tug on the heartstrings!
Our daily soaps also carry strong messages…
They certainly do! The soaps Ici tout commence and Demain nous appartient enter people’s homes every day and have a very strong influence in areas like trans identity, gay marriage, or disability (Timothée, one of the central characters in Demain nous appartient, is autistic). These are positive stories, telling you how you can raise your game, become accepted and break the mould. It means being optimistic without being smug, because we may encounter the same difficulties that our heroes face.