TF1 names France Télévisions exec to replace drama chief Anne Viau

Anne Viau

TF1 Group in France has hired France Télévisions’ acting drama chief Anne Didier to oversee its scripted output, replacing Anne Viau who will leave later this year.

Didier becomes director of French drama for TF1 from 4 September and will report into the group’s head of programmes & acquisitions, Fabrice Bailly.

Her remit includes responsibility for developing and implementing TF1’s drama policy, which is shifting towards the wider group’s focus around family-friendly event TV franchises and series.

Anne Didier

Earlier this month the company ordered Brocéliande from Shine Fiction and Les Films du Printemps, which explores the mysterious past of a biologist.

Its slate also includes Andy Serkis’s Madame Tussaud drama and Les Disparus De La Forêt Noire, which is being coproduced with Belgium’s RTBF.

TF1 said Didier would be tasked with launching shows that “reflect society” and commissionuing series with “stellar cast lists”, while “enhancing the diversity of genres and formats”.

The French group has had a tumultous 12 months, with former CEO Gilles Pélisson stepping down in September after the company abandoned plans to merge with rival M6 Group.

It has rejigged its streaming operations after Salto, the joint venture streamer with France TV and M6, shut down operations earlier this year,

France TV exits

Didier’s exit from France Télévisions also marks another departure for the French pubcaster. She had initially joined in 2000 working in its advertising division, before moving into programme buying and then overseeing shows at France 2.

From 2012, she was a programme advisor to France 3’s drama department and then rose to become deputy director of drama.

She had been acting director of drama since last year but now becomes the latest senior exec to leave the French pubcaster, following the departure of docs chief Catherine Alvaresse earlier this year.

TF1’s Bailly said: “Anne [Didier] has the full skillset needed to deliver in her new role. Her experience and her perfect understanding of the creative ecosystem stand her in good stead. Anne can rely on the support of a talented team of colleagues.”

Viau, whose next move is not yet known, had led TF1’s drama output for five years, working on shows including Balthazar, HPI – which is being remade by ABC in the US – and Les Combattantes.

Bailly added: “She also brought our second daily soap to the screen and championed the development of successful social-issue dramas such as Champion, Toulouse Lautrec and Les Randonneuses. I wish her every success in her future projects.”