In an effort to establish France's Hauts-de-France region as a premier destination for international film and television productions, Pictanovo, the regional screen agency, and Film France-CNC, the national film commission, have joined forces. They are hosting a four-day "Inspiration Tour" for leading U.S. and global studio executives during the Series Mania festival in Lille. This initiative aims to showcase the region's diverse potential and foster collaborations between international decision-makers and local production talent and service providers. The comprehensive program combines participation in the Series Mania Forum with immersive tours of iconic locations and direct engagement with the region's thriving production ecosystem.

Hauts-de-France Unveils Filming Charms to Global Production Giants

From March 22nd to March 27th, 2026, the vibrant city of Lille and its surrounding Hauts-de-France region are taking center stage in the global film and television industry. Capitalizing on the return of Series Mania, a pivotal European festival for television, Pictanovo, the regional screen agency, and Film France-CNC, the national film commission, are jointly orchestrating an ambitious "Inspiration Tour." This exclusive four-day event is designed to immerse a distinguished delegation of U.S. and international production executives in the unique appeal and robust infrastructure of Hauts-de-France as a prime filming location.

The esteemed attendees hail from some of the most influential entities in entertainment. Among them are Alexis Auditore, Director of Physical Production at Marvel Studios; Derek Martin, Vice President of Television at Bad Robot Productions; Keleigh Slaight, Executive Director of Physical Production at Sony Pictures Television; Robert West, Senior Vice President of Production at CBS Studios; Tracy Wu, Manager of Physical Production at 20th Century Studios; and Theodore Au, a Producer at HBO. Additionally, Ernesto Alcalde, Executive Producer at Stingy Wit Dinero Productions, and Aaron Hurvitz, an international location scout and LMGI member, are participating, underscoring the broad interest in the region's offerings.

Accompanying this high-profile delegation are four seasoned French production professionals acting as regional ambassadors: first assistant director Claire Letoret, location scouts Stéphanie Perret and Carole Reinhard, and unit production manager Christine Raspillère. Their invaluable on-the-ground expertise will provide visiting executives with a practical understanding of how international shoots can be efficiently managed and supported by the local industry.

The tour's itinerary is meticulously crafted to highlight the region's cinematic diversity. Participants will explore historical treasures like the majestic Château de Chantilly and the awe-inspiring Amiens Cathedral. They will also visit architectural marvels such as Villa Cavrois and the renowned Roubaix Swimming Pool, now transformed into the La Piscine museum. Beyond the picturesque backdrops, the program includes crucial networking opportunities with local industry experts and specialized service providers, including prominent French companies like Raphaël Benoliel’s Firstep (known for servicing “Emily in Paris”), John Bernard’s Peninsula Film, FullDawa Films, Left & Right, Meadow Pictures, Gaumont Production Services, Froggie Production, and Voulez-Vous Production Services. This comprehensive engagement aims to forge lasting connections and demonstrate the region's readiness to host world-class productions.

This initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to regional development, recognizing the power of cultural exchange and economic collaboration. By actively inviting and engaging with international production leaders, Hauts-de-France is not only showcasing its unique assets but also investing in the future growth and global integration of its local creative economy. The tour provides a tangible platform for fostering mutual understanding and building long-term partnerships that could significantly boost the region's profile as a compelling international filming hub.