Is the British Producer’s Prejudice Projected in the Versailles TV Series?

The question at hand pertains to the portrayal of the French monarchy in the 2015 TV series Versailles. Two key points are claimed: first, that there might be an inherent British prejudice portrayed in the series, and second, that the production does not strongly reflect British influence, given the multinational composition of its creators and producers.

Let us delve into the details of the production team and explore the implications of these assertions.

The Production Team: A Complex Mix

When examining the list of producers for the 2015 TV series Versailles, a notable aspect is the lack of a strong British influence. The managing producer, Nathalie Juchet, is indeed French, which already introduces a layer of French perspective into the production. Additionally, the directors, creators, and writers of the series are a multinational mix, indicating a diverse range of voices and experiences.

Creators and Writers

The series is created and written by Simon Mirren and David Wolstencroft, both of whom are North American. This introduces a unique cross-pollination of cultural perspectives from the United States and Canada into the narrative of the French monarchy. It is important to note that the writers have a predominantly English-speaking background, which could potentially influence the portrayal of the French monarchy. However, this is not an isolated case as the series has international appeal and is produced by companies that reflect a broader global collaboration.

Production Companies and Oversight

The series Versailles is produced by multiple companies, two of which are not British. This further dilutes any potential British influence and ensures oversight from various perspectives. The production companies include Regency Television, Red Planet Pictures, and France 2, each bringing their own expertise and viewpoint to the project.

Thus, while the creators and writers have primarily English-speaking backgrounds and a North American cultural foundation, the international nature of the production does mitigate the likelihood of a single dominant perspective influencing the series. The French perspective through Nathalie Juchet and the multinational influence from directors, creators, and producers create a balanced and nuanced portrayal of the French monarchy.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach

In conclusion, although there might be a British cultural influence in the writing of Versailles, the predominantly North American-based writers are not the only factors shaping the series. The French managing producer, the multinational directors, and the international production team ensure that the portrayal of the French monarchy is a harmonious blend of perspectives, not merely a projection of British or North American prejudices.

The assertion that the British producers project their own prejudice onto the French monarchy may hold some truth, but it is important to recognize that the series is a collaborative effort with a broad range of influences. This balance reflects the complex and multifaceted nature of the historical subject matter and ultimately enhances the authenticity and depth of the narrative.