Nicolas Maury, known for his role as Hervé in Call My Agent!, is making waves with his directorial debut in the miniseries Seasons. The series, which premiered on the Arte channel in France, explores a multi-decade love story and has garnered significant attention, particularly with its streaming rights acquired by HBO Max for France and Belgium.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Les-Sables-d’Olonne, a French seaside resort, Seasons begins in 1991, where a 15-year-old Camille, portrayed by Stéphane Caillard, meets her best friends Martin and Alexandre. This encounter ignites a romantic journey that spans over thirty years. Maury not only directs the series but also steps in front of the camera, showcasing his multifaceted talent.
Personal Reflections on Directing
In discussing his approach to directing, Maury emphasizes a unique artistic vision he describes as the “melancomedy” of life. He reflects, “It is both disaster and happiness, sometimes at the same time, and a reminder of our mortality.” This philosophy drives his desire to capture the essence of human experiences, akin to documenting wildlife in nature.
The series is produced by Carole Lambert and created by Hélène Duchateau, who played key roles in bringing Maury’s vision to life. He shared his experience of portraying Camille, stating, “To step into the skin of a woman, of this woman in particular, because I had to understand her in order to love her.” This deep connection to his characters informs his directorial style, allowing him to infuse authenticity into each scene.
Navigating Time Through Seasons
Throughout Seasons, characters age alongside the actors, with episodes aligning with the changing seasons. Maury expresses his appreciation for this dynamic: “What I loved very much was the idea of growing old together.” This storytelling technique not only enriches the narrative but also creates a relatable portrayal of life’s journey.
The miniseries is part of the lineup at Unifrance’s Paris Rendez-Vous, highlighting its prominence in the current television landscape. With international sales managed by APC, Seasons is poised to reach a global audience.
As Maury looks ahead to a busy year in 2026, which includes the release of the Call My Agent! film on Netflix, he reflects on the lessons learned from his time on the beloved series. He contrasts the pace of television and film production, noting, “A series shooting day is not at all the same as a film shooting day.” This experience has equipped him to anticipate the demands of directing while being mindful of the actors’ well-being.
Maury concludes with a commitment to being present during the creative process: “When I’m shooting, I am truly in the present and I don’t think about what I’ve done before.” His dedication to capturing the nuances of life’s bittersweet moments resonates throughout Seasons, promising viewers a poignant exploration of love and time.
