Capturing History: La Grande Seine, an exclusive behind-the-scenes documentary of the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony

Even with the confidentiality surrounding the preparations, Paris 2024 leadership, including Tony Estanguet, President, Thierry Reboul, Director of Ceremonies, Thomas Jolly, Creative Director, and their dedicated teams, as well as Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), have graciously opened their doors to the Olympic Channel’s cameras. This unprecedented access allows for an in-depth look at the sensitive discussions and intricate planning involved.

Leading the ambitious docuseries is the talented French director Manuel Herrero, who has previously collaborated with the Olympic Channel. Known for his highly creative approach and unique filming style, Herrero has built a level of trust with participants, enabling him to capture intimate portraits and behind-the-scenes moments while always maintaining a level of discretion required for such a massive undertaking. His vision brings a fresh and compelling narrative to this extraordinary event.

This exclusive behind-the-scenes look provides a fascinating viewpoint, showcasing the magnitude and complexity of the preparations required for such an extraordinary event. The Olympic Channel's in-depth coverage will highlight the dedication and hard work of everyone involved, giving viewers a newfound appreciation for the efforts that make such a grand spectacle possible.

Olympic Media Right-Holders (MRHs) have recognised the significance of this project offering unwavering support from its inception. Broadcast partners such as NBCUniversal’s Peacock, Warner Bros. Discovery, France Televisions, TV Globo, NHK, CBC, Radio-Canada and CMG have wholeheartedly embraced the vision, committing to its success by broadcasting it across their territories. This collective effort highlights the collaborative spirit that defines the Olympic Games.

The highly anticipated docuseries is set to premiere worldwide from 21 July.

Here’s where you can watch it:

For all other regions, the documentary will be available on Olympics.com.

Quotes

Yiannis Exarchos, OBS Chief Executive Director and OCS Executive Director

“What Manuel and the Olympic Channel team have accomplished with “La Grande Seine” transcends the typical documentary format – it’s a vibrant celebration of innovation, passion, and the unwavering spirit that defines the essence of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. From its inception to fruition, Paris 2024 has remained steadfast in its visionary commitment, deserving our utmost admiration.”

Manuel Herrero, Director

“This documentary chronicles an extraordinary two-year adventure, following the dedicated team behind the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony. Amidst mounting pressure and sky-high expectations, our cameras captured every pivotal moment of their meticulous crafting and relentless pursuit of a groundbreaking vision. From inception to execution, their ambitious endeavour pushes the boundaries of creativity and scale. We delved deep into their triumphs and challenges, revealing a profound testament to human ingenuity and unwavering perseverance.”

Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee

“This documentary embodies the boundless possibilities when ambition meets perseverance. For the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, we dared to envision something audacious and totally unique. As we approach the grand unveiling in just a few days, we can’t wait to see this vision come to life in front of billions of TV viewers, who will be united around a spectacle like nothing we’ve seen before**.”

The following visuals are available:

Invitation to the Press Conference

Yiannis Exarchos and Manuel Herrero will present this exciting two-part docuseries on the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 to accredited media during a press conference at the Main Press Centre (MPC).

Date: 22 July

Time: 10:00 (Paris local time)

Venue: Main Press Centre, La Seine Press Conference Room, 3rd Floor
La Grande Seine

Go behind the scenes of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony preparations, as a small team of dedicated individuals are defying all odds to put together the biggest TV show that has ever-been produced.

Series Description

Go behind the scenes of the Opening Ceremony preparations for the Olympic Games Paris 2024. We follow every step of the way, as a small team of dedicated individuals are defying all odds to stage the athletes’ parade on a hundred boats along the river Seine while creating the biggest TV show that has ever-been produced.

Olympic Games’ Opening Ceremonies have always made history due to their creativity, their magnitude, their drama and the stakes for the host country. It is the biggest show on earth. And this time, more than ever.

Pressed for time and under many constraints, a small group of men and women united by a common dream set out to achieve the impossible: to make the river Seine in the heart of Paris the largest ever stage in the world.

Episode 1 – LA GRANDE SEINE – PART 1

The Paris 2024 team gets the final go-ahead to organise the Opening Ceremony on the river Seine, involving grandiose artistic scenes along a six-kilometre course. While Thomas, the Artistic Director, builds his core team (Maud the choreographer, Victor, the music composer and Daphne, the costume supervisor), Thierry tries to find a way to convince the authorities to build grandstands along the river. But as they organize the first fleet test, reality catches up to them.

Episode 2 – LA GRANDE SEINE – PART 2

As the finish line approaches, fatigue sets in and the obstacles multiply. The level of the river Seine is still too high to allow for a final rehearsal, which is essential to the success of the Opening Ceremony. Maud suffers a serious injury. Thierry fights to protect confidentiality and Thomas is having trouble getting his ideas across. For Simon, the TV Director, the pressure is also mounting as he faces up to the gigantic scale of the project. The team also hope and pray that the weather will be on their side for the Ceremony.

Director:

Manuel Herrero

Manuel Herrero is a renowned French producer and director. Before founding his own production house, Mañana, Herrero collaborated with CAPA, a prominent production company. Over his illustrious career, he has directed and produced over 40 films and series, often featuring some of the biggest names in sports.

His involvement with the Olympic movement began at the Olympic Games Rio 2016 when he joined the Paris 2024 core team during their bid for the Games. This partnership led to his work with the Olympic Channel, where he produced the original series ‘Legends Live On’.

For the past two years, Herrero has been dedicated to filming ‘La Grande Seine,’ offering an exclusive and personal look at the preparation for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony. His unique creative vision and ability to build trust with his subjects have allowed him to capture intimate and compelling behind-the-scenes moments.

Executive Producer:

Yiannis Exarchos
OBS Chief Executive Director and OCS Executive Director

Producers:

Jonathan Taylor
Director of Original Programming, Olympic Channel Services (OCS)

Nicolas Delloye
Commissioning Editor, Original Programming, Olympic Channel Services (OCS)

Mary Byrne
Editor in Chief, Olympic Channel Services (OCS)