In the wake of a surprise power outage, the youngsters of Sainte-Pauline-de-la-Légère learn with much trepidation that they will have to spend their entire vacation without electricity.
Writer and producer of La Panne (CAN), Benoit Lach, answered our questions about the series as well as the design process and inspiration for the story of La Panne.
Why choose the web format?
The Web format in Quebec is the most fast medium to work with. In the same year, you write, produce and broadcast.
What inspired your series?
« La panne » Its kind of a tribute to our vacation from 1980, where you didn’t have so many electronics to keep you away from enjoying outside. This is where Paul, the invisible character, comes to make all the kid come together.
La Panne Trailer
What was it like filming in certain locations, did you really film in the snow?
We did! And it was sooo cold! As you can imagine, Canada is a four season country where in winter it’s full of snow for four months.
What is your favourite part of the series?
The editing. Initially it was not written like this. In the editing, we just create the beginning of each episode where you never know who did the blackout. I think it’s very effective. At the end, nobody could ever imagine how the blackout was done. The suprise is there. And its wonderful. And of course the actors ! We are so grateful to get a nomination for Ensembe Cast because, OMG, the ensemble cast is sooo good.
What is the most interesting element of your series for the audience?
It’s definitely a family series, it will reach the kid in yourself for sure. I watched the series with my nephew and they were so into it. It’s like a light thriller. At the same time you enjoy the storyline of all characters, you just want to know WHO DID IT!
If I can say, I believe its a fun family thriller.
The series follows multiple storylines and has elements happening all at once, what was the process like to develop all of these into a narrative?
Good question. I think it starts with a nice brainstorm with my co-writers Vincent and Étienne. But I would say I’m really an instinct writer where I’m always open to new ideas while I’m writing. I’m never good with too much structure. I just write what I would like to see next and (I cross my fingers) it always works.
What was your greatest challenge creating the series?
The time frame. I had to write the entire series in 3 weeks. We start the production in December, we shot in the beginning of February and the show was broadcast at the end of February. Can you imagine? It was INSANE. But we did it and we are so proud of it. Hervé and Étienne did an amazing job.
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