Ecosse, Federation prep Bonaparte drama

France Télévisions has teamed up with Federation Entertainment and UK prodco Ecosse Films to produce an English-language period drama about Napoleon Bonaparte’s mistress, Josephine.

Bérénice Bejo

Set during the French Revolution, Josephine & Napoleon (8×52’) stars Bérénice Bejo in the story of a mischievous aristocrat and the ambitious Corsican general who became the most powerful couple in the world.

The series, which is in development, is based on the historical biographies written by Andrew Roberts (Napoleon: A Life) and Kate Williams (The Dangerous Life of Josephine Bonaparte).

It is being adapted for television by showrunner Tony Saint (Das Boot, Margaret Thatcher: The Long Walk to Finchley). MD Douglas Rae, Kate Triggs and Robert Bernstein exec produce for Ecosse Films alongside Pascal Breton and Lionel Uzan for Federation Entertainment.

“Rare are projects such as this one that reveal historical figures with such accuracy and wit,” said Takis Candilis, MD of content for France Télévisions.

“We are thrilled to see French history serialised and portrayed with a modern approach. Josephine was a free, strong and influential woman, remarkable in her day, incredibly relevant for our time.”