In the world of film and television, few names resonate as powerfully as Gaumont, a French production giant that is proudly celebrating its 130th anniversary this year. This milestone not only marks it as the longest-running studio in continuous operation globally, but it also signifies a commitment to innovation and adaptation in an ever-evolving industry. During a recent keynote speech at the fifth annual Iberseries & Platino Industria event, Nicolas Atlan, the president of Gaumont USA, shared insights that highlight the company’s forward-thinking approach.
Atlan took a moment to reflect on the impact of the Netflix series Narcos, which has been pivotal in paving the way for a surge in Spanish-language content. When asked about the potential for Narcos to make a comeback, he expressed a hopeful yet uncertain stance: "I wish. We’re working on different approaches for Narcos. Then, it is [a question of is there] appetite from Netflix or not, or can we do it with someone else’s? We don’t know yet, but we for sure are looking at different approaches." This statement raises an intriguing question: could the future of Narcos lie in a new partnership, or will it remain a cherished memory?
In addition to Narcos, Atlan provided an exciting update on another project rooted in Latin American culture. He announced the completion of filming for Netflix’s Mexico ’86, which tells the story of Mexico during the 1986 World Cup. Directed and written by Gabriel Ripstein, this project features the talented Diego Luna, known for his captivating performances.
When the conversation shifted to the much-anticipated fourth season of Lupin, Atlan remained tight-lipped, simply stating, "We just finished this one." This leaves fans eagerly awaiting any news about the beloved series.
Atlan’s journey to his current role at Gaumont began with his leadership of the animation division, where he is currently immersed in the production of a 3D animated film titled High in the Clouds. This film is an adaptation of Paul McCartney’s 2005 children’s book, which follows the adventures of a young squirrel who inadvertently ignites a rebellion against a tyrannical owl who has outlawed music in their community. Notably, the French voice cast includes renowned artists such as Celine Dion and Omar Sy, alongside other talented actors like Benjamin Lavernhe and Clémence Poésy. The English-language version boasts a star-studded cast, featuring Himesh Patel, Hannah Waddington, and even McCartney and Ringo Starr themselves.
As the conversation turned to the topic of artificial intelligence, Atlan shared Gaumont’s cautious yet optimistic perspective. "Of course, we look at it. There are two concerns. We have a big catalog, so the copyright and the IP is a concern. So we are very careful on this. Also, at the same time, we see it as a tool. For animation, for sure, it’s going to be a big tool. … In production, it is going to be a very important tool." This raises a thought-provoking point: how can the film industry harness AI to enhance storytelling while safeguarding intellectual property?
Atlan emphasized the importance of balancing Gaumont’s rich legacy with the demands of modern technology. He echoed the sentiments of CEO Sidonie Dumas, who encourages her team to avoid getting lost in nostalgia. "From the beginning, the company was already based on how to use technology and to tell stories. … And I think this is our legacy, that whatever happens and whatever evolution [we see], whatever we talk about, AI or whatever can come, but the idea is always to tell stories and to be able to build emotion through stories." This philosophy is encapsulated in Gaumont’s slogan: "130 years of emotion."
As we look to the future of storytelling in film and television, one must ask: how will companies like Gaumont continue to innovate while honoring their storied past? What role do you think AI should play in the creative process? Share your thoughts in the comments!
