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A high-end, 26 half-hour episode 3D-series featuring three inseparable BFF trainee witches, “Witch Detectives” is Mediawan Kids & Family latest pan-European new IP, produced by Mediawan subsidiary Method Animation for
BBC, Rai, TF1 and Super RTL. International sales are managed by Entourage Media and Mediawan Kids & Family Distribution, who brought the show to this week’s Unifrance Rendez-Vous in Le Havre as its flagship IP.
Embodying the universal reach of Mediawan’s productions while retaining a strong French touch, “Witch Detectives” follows Maya, Max and Millie, teenage girls/high-school witches turned private investigators overnight to help run the secret W-detective agency. Thanks to their magical abilities, potions, and supernatural powers, these girls solve crime, disappearances, burglaries and much more.
As the show premiered earlier this month on European networks, Variety spoke with Justine Cheynet, co-creator and head of story, Clément Savoyat, director, along with Katell France and Olivier Pérouze, respectively producer and artistic producer at Method Animation, about the makings of this new “Harry Potter” meets “Charlie’s Angels” children’s premium animated series.
Where did the concept of “witch detectives” come from and how did this idea allow you to build the series, its narrative and its characters?
Justine Cheynet: It all started with a question: What do witches do now that we all have a smartphone in our pocket? What is the use of magic now that we have technology? From this question came the idea that today’s witches could reinvent themselves as private detectives: their powers would be their investigator’s kit and their tools of investigation!
So we went with a “procedural,” like “Harry Potter” meets “Charlie’s Angels,” which naturally lent itself to a 26-minute format, giving us time to develop rich investigations with plot twists, false leads, suspense, and a satisfying resolution.
As for our characters, we were determined to shake off the stereotypical image of witches as wart-covered harpies living in caves. Instead, we wanted our Witch Detectives to be young, fashionable, fresh, inspiring witches, very much in tune with the times. And our trio not only is inspired by a magical number, but also allows for good balance and complicity between the Maya, Max and Millie.
The series seems also crafted for family viewing. Was it important for you to also appeal to adults and parents?
Clement Savoyat: Indeed, the series can be watched by both children and their parents, who can have fun trying to figure out who the culprits are together. The important thing for us is that if the story works and the characters are engaging, we can add little details that will appeal to viewers of all ages.
Olivier Pérouze: Our aim was to create a series for 7-10 year olds but one that could also appeal to older viewers thanks to its multiple layers of meaning. Comedy lends itself perfectly to this, and our writers and director have skillfully women in elements that help achieve this aim.
How did you approach world building and art direction on this project?
Savoyat: When I joined the project, the main characters (the girls and their close circle) had already been created and drawn by illustrator & concept artist Romain Kurdi. The bulk of the remaining work was to create the city in which the stories and heroines would unfold.
Initially, the series was set in London, but fortunately, this was abandoned in favor of an imaginary city, Faybridge, where magicians and non-magicians unknowingly coexist. Blending, London, Paris, Rome and other European capitals, I really enjoyed designing its layout, with its different districts and monuments. I wanted to create a city where life is good, and where the Witches can ride scooters from one district to another.
In our world, magic is represented by Art Nouveau, but we also blend other influences, like pop art, 50-60s aesthetics, and a swinging London feel, both pop and timeless.
Pérouze: From the outset, we wanted a series that played with the conventions of magic and investigations without weighing it down with a tired, overused “gothic” atmosphere. Our art direction reflects our heroines: colorful, bright, modern, and original!
What were the main production challenges?
Pérouze: Every stage of production is a challenge! Creating an original series as ambitious as “Witch Detective” requires, first and foremost, a strong concept, inspiring heroes, and captivating and funny stories. Justine managed to create all of this from scratch, and Romain Kurdi (author of the graphic bible) brought it alive.
As for direction, Clément and his storyboard artists did a remarkable job, completed by the fantastic original score by Matteo Locaciulli, with an original song by Jenn from Superbus for the opening credits, added a unique touch to the show.
Last but not least, we have to give credit to the actors who gave voices, and therefore soul, to all our characters, and to all our production team (led by Magali Bion), as well as all the editors, artists and animators who created this beautiful series.
Years have passed between our initial desire to create this series, its conception, and its production. And today, it truly lives up to our original ambition.
How do you create a series that is both French, but also universally appealing?
Savoyat: From the beginning, there was a dialogue with our various broadcasters: TF1 for France, Super RTL in Germany, and later the BBC. Together, they helped us ensure that the series was as understandable as possible for everyone. In fact, our imaginary city allows us to be quite free in the way we tell our stories, without being forced to adhere to the culture of a particular country.
Cheynet: We have always envisioned “Witch Detectives” as a long-term project, envisioning the series becoming a lasting fixture in the children’s TV landscape on an international level, while cultivating a distinctive visual “French touch.” Our formula is based on the universal pleasure of solving a mystery, immersing oneself in an adventure, identifying with inspiring characters, and sharing that sense of liberation so characteristic of adolescence. Elements that will resonate with any young viewer, regardless of their culture or language.
The series has already been sold in numerous territories and has already launched in several of them, including France. What are your thoughts on this success, and what are your next objectives for the series?
Marie Lassal (Intl. Sales Director, Mediawan Kids & Family): We consider “Witch Detectives” as one of the future hits in our catalog. Its international potential is already confirmed through the commitment of leading partners already mentioned, as well as Globo in Brazil, and many other. At Mediawan, we are particularly pleased to see that the series’ universe (which blends investigation, comedy, and fantasy) is resonating with broadcasters equally in very different markets.
Following its launch in France, these sales demonstrate the show’s ability to reach a wide international audience. Our next goal is to accelerate its development in North America, as the series will soon launch on our FAST channel in the U.S, a significant step in its visibility in this strategic market.
At the same time, we are actively in discussions with new partners in North America to finalize additional distribution agreements, and continue to the international expansion of the series.
Is a second season already in the works?
Katell France: Yes, we are considering a second season. Several partners have already approached us about continuing “Witch Detectives”, and our concept was conceived from the outset as a strong brand that could be developed over several seasons, spin-offs, etc.
Pérouze: We have created a series that allows for several seasons. The number of characters, the richness of their characterization, the number of settings, the more or less evolving elements already introduced in this first season promise many more episodes if “Witch Detectives” is indeed a success, which I have no doubt it will be.
