Xilam Animation, a Paris-based animation studio, has made the decision to transform the WWI-era adventure series 'Lucy Lost' into a feature film. Originally planned as an eight-episode series, the project will now be reimagined for the big screen. The film will be co-written and directed by Olivier Clert, known for his work on 'Klaus,' and BAFTA-winning screenwriter Helen Blankman. The story is adapted from Michael Morpurgo's novel 'Listen to the Moon,' which was published in 2014.
The film is set in 1915 on the Isles of Scilly near the Cornish coast and follows the journey of a young girl named Lucy who is raised by a group of fishermen. As the Great War unfolds in the background, Lucy embarks on a quest to uncover her true identity with the help of a mysterious girl she encounters.
The shift from a series to a feature film required a change in visual style, with director Olivier Clert and the Xilam team aiming to create a more immersive and visually stunning experience for the audience. Xilam's founder and CEO, Marc du Pontavice, emphasized the importance of delivering a unique and captivating experience in a feature film format.
While continuing to work on TV projects like 'The Doomies' and 'Chip 'N' Dale: Park Life' for Disney+ and 'Twilight of the Gods' for Netflix, Xilam is also focusing on expanding its presence in the feature film and adult animation space. The studio's success with the Oscar-nominated 'I Lost My Body' in 2019 has inspired them to release a new feature film each year, alternating between family-friendly and more mature content.
In addition to family-oriented projects, Xilam is venturing into adult animation with 'The Wolf,' a dark wilderness thriller based on a graphic novel by Jean Marc Rochette, the creator of 'Snowpiercer.' The studio is actively seeking talent for upcoming projects in various stages of development.
According to du Pontavice, the studio's diversification efforts are driven by the growing demand for adult animation content in the industry. Xilam aims to capitalize on this trend by expanding its portfolio and exploring new creative opportunities in the world of animation.
