On Tuesday, as reports emerged about an upcoming Edith Piaf film that will mark the first-ever animated film generated using AI, advancements in the realm of AI continued to gain momentum. The estate of the legendary French music icon, in collaboration with Warner Music Entertainment and the production company Severely Happy, has given the green light to this innovative project.
Although the proof of concept for the biopic has already been established, Warner Music Entertainment is currently seeking a passionate workshop enthusiast to drive the project forward.
Through the revolutionary application of AI technologies designed to replicate Piaf’s voice and image, Edith delves into the journey of the artist as she evolves into a symbol of female empowerment and one of France’s most celebrated artists. To lay the groundwork for this endeavor, Warner Music conducted extensive training of the AI system using a vast collection of Piaf’s voice recordings and images spanning over 80 years. The screenplay was adapted from an original concept by Julie Veille and Gilles Marliac, with Charlie Cohen, the head of Warner Music Entertainment, leading the project’s development alongside the AI technology supporting it.
Set against the backdrop of Paris and New York from the 1920s to the 1960s, this 90-minute film portrays “Piaf” shedding light on previously undisclosed facets of her life while showcasing her indomitable spirit and remarkable achievements. To imbue authenticity into the visual narrative, the movie incorporates archival recordings of her iconic songs like “La Vie en rose” and “Non, je ne regretted rien,” as well as historical footage of Piaf from television appearances, live performances, and her personal archives.
” Edith stands as one of France’s enduring musical icons, bringing immense pride to the French populace,” remarked Alain Veille, CEO of Warner Music France, in a statement accompanying the announcement of Edith. It was imperative for us to collaborate closely with Edith’s estate and approach this venture with the utmost respect, as marrying cutting-edge technologies with cultural heritage demands a delicate balance. Her narrative is one that warrants retelling, and through this film, we aim to engage with a new audience and inspire fresh admirers.
Working alongside Edith’s Estate to usher her story into the modern era has been a profound honor,” expressed Veille. She emphasized the team’s contemplation of what Edith would convey to present-day generations if she were still among us, underscoring the tale of resilience, defiance of societal norms, and pursuit of greatness that remains as pertinent today as it was in her time. Leveraging state-of-the-art technology and visual effects, our mission is to present this remarkable story to viewers of all ages.
“It has been an unparalleled and moving experience to give voice to Edith once more; the technology has transported us back to her presence,” shared Catherine Glavas and Christie Laume, the inheritors of the Piaf legacy. Through this cinematic portrayal, audiences will witness the true essence of Edith—her endearing personality, her wit, and her unwavering fortitude.
Among the timeless tributes to love stands a song by Marion Cotillard, renowned for her portrayal of Edith Piaf in the 2007 film La Vie en Rose, a role that earned her a second Academy Award. Despite a challenging upbringing in poverty, Piaf ascended to global fame on the strength of classics like “Hymne à l’amour,” “Milord,” “La Foule,” “L’Accordéoniste,” and “Padam, padam.” Even after her passing in France in 1963 at the age of 47, she continues to be revered as a cultural icon.
