Film Craft > Production

THE SECRET OF WAKANY

BETC, Paris / CANAL / 2023

Awards:

Silver Eurobest
CampaignCampaign(opens in a new tab)
Film

Overview

Credits

Overview

Write a short summary of what happens in the film

A good TV series is hard to pull off and often disappoints fans who have invested years into watching it.

In this film, we meet a young couple that becomes obsessed with the fantasy series The secret of Wakany.

Season after season, their passion for the show grows until it takes over their whole life.

They speak, eat, live Wakany.

The night of the big finale arrives, and we finally discover the truth behind The Secret of Wakany.

Needless to say, the secret was a big letdown, and the couple are devastated.

Background:

Canal+ is mainly known in France as the best cinema and sports streaming platform. As competition is fierce, Canal+ had to communicate on the main symbol of content platforms like, Netflix, Disney+ or Amazon: it’s series’ offer. The brand had a double objective: to address a younger audience while reaffirming its high quality storytelling.

We chose to build the idea on a feeling we've all experienced: the frustration of a final episode that doesn't live up to the series' expectations.

We invented a series: "The Secret of Wakany". It would have all the elements of the most successful ones, but also an ending that would use a "it was a dream all along" trope.

After all, for Canal+ 'it's not just entertainment'

Tell the jury about the production design / art direction. You may wish to comment on choices, challenges or effects.

The craft was at the very heart of the idea of this commercial. It was essential that the viewers could believe that this series really existed so that they could project themselves into the couple's passion. The director paid special attention to the details of each shot of the series and the special effects needed to come close to the standards of blockbuster series.

More Entries from Production Design / Art Direction in Film Craft

24 items

Grand Prix Cannes Lions
WE CRY TOGETHER - A SHORT FILM

Direction

WE CRY TOGETHER - A SHORT FILM

pgLang, PGLANG

(opens in a new tab)

More Entries from BETC

24 items

Grand Prix Cannes Lions
CROCODILE INSIDE

Retail

CROCODILE INSIDE

LACOSTE, BETC

(opens in a new tab)