Behind the Scenes of 'Olivia'

The French television series 'Olivia,' a spin-off from the popular drama 'La Vengeance aux yeux clairs,' captivated audiences with its compelling narrative and picturesque backdrops. For fans eager to delve deeper into the production of this gripping series, understanding its filming locations is key to appreciating the visual storytelling. This article will explore where 'Olivia' was shot, offering insights into the French locales that brought the story of lawyer Olivia Alessandri to life.

Filming Locations: A Glimpse of the South of France

The production of 'Olivia' primarily took place in the beautiful South of France. This region, known for its stunning coastlines, vibrant cities, and charming towns, provided the perfect setting for the series. The key filming locations included:

• Aix-en-Provence: This historic city, with its elegant architecture and lively atmosphere, likely served as a backdrop for various scenes, lending a sense of sophistication to the show.
• Marseille: France's second-largest city, with its bustling port and diverse urban landscape, offered a dynamic environment for filming. Marseille's gritty yet beautiful aesthetic could have been utilised to depict different facets of Olivia's professional and personal life.
• Nice: The capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department on the French Riviera, Nice, was a central location for the series. Its iconic Promenade des Anglais, azure waters, and sunny disposition would have perfectly complemented the character of Olivia Alessandri and the overall tone of the show. The series synopsis explicitly mentions Olivia opening her law firm in Nice, making it a crucial geographical anchor.

The choice of these locations in the South of France was strategic, aiming to capture the essence of a modern, successful lawyer building her career in a visually appealing and culturally rich environment. The Mediterranean light and the distinct character of each city contributed significantly to the series' aesthetic appeal.

Production Details and Context

'Olivia' was announced by TF1 in February 2019, with a planned six-episode run. The series, which premiered between October 17th and October 31st, 2019, focused on the character of Olivia Alessandri, played by Laëtitia Milot, five years after the events of 'La Vengeance aux yeux clairs.' The show was produced by JLA Productions and TF1 Productions, with Jean-Luc Azoulay serving as an executive producer.

Cast and Characters

The series featured Laëtitia Milot in the titular role of Olivia Alessandri. Other returning characters from 'La Vengeance aux yeux clairs' included Lou, Olivia's daughter, now played by Dionea Daboville, succeeding Clara Boyer. The narrative explored Olivia's life as a single mother and a dedicated lawyer taking on cases for the oppressed, often pushing boundaries to help them.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Olivia' received a mixed to negative reception from critics. While some acknowledged the appeal for fans of Laëtitia Milot, many pointed out the series' reliance on clichés and predictable plot devices. Télérama's Julie Lassale famously described it as a series navigating an "ocean of clichés," with dialogue dripping in sentimentality and a plot that even the "Nice sun and Laetitia Milot's hair styling couldn't illuminate." Télé Loisirs noted that Milot's performance sometimes lacked naturalness, and the plot lacked finesse, using "big plot contrivances." Despite these criticisms, Télé Z suggested that the series defended interesting judicial cases and presented an original trio of justice-seekers.

Audience Performance

The series garnered a substantial audience during its initial broadcast on TF1. The viewership figures for each episode were as follows:

Despite the critical reviews, the show maintained a solid viewership, indicating a dedicated fan base interested in Olivia's story. However, TF1 ultimately decided not to renew the series for a second season, leaving it on a cliffhanger as announced by Allociné on April 30, 2020.

Chronological Context and Character Development

The series is set chronologically five years after 'La Vengeance aux yeux clairs.' This places the events of 'Olivia' around 2019, as indicated by a tombstone date in episode 2. This timeline suggests that the events of the predecessor series occurred around 2014, even though its seasons aired in 2016 and 2017. This temporal displacement is a common narrative device in television to allow for character growth and story evolution.

A significant plot point revealed is the separation of Olivia and Alexandre Chevalier, the father of their daughter Lou. They split three years prior to the series' events, when Lou was thirteen. Alexandre now lives on his boat at sea but still thinks of his former partner and daughter. Lou, who had lost the ability to speak after an incident, is now fifteen years old and has regained her speech.

Frequently Asked Questions about 'Olivia'

Q1: Where was 'Olivia' filmed?

A1: 'Olivia' was primarily filmed in the South of France, with key locations including Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, and Nice.

Q2: Is 'Olivia' a sequel to 'La Vengeance aux yeux clairs'?

A2: Yes, 'Olivia' is a spin-off and a continuation of the story from 'La Vengeance aux yeux clairs,' focusing on the character of Olivia Alessandri.

Q3: Who plays Olivia Alessandri?

A3: Olivia Alessandri is played by French actress Laëtitia Milot.

Q4: Was the series renewed for a second season?

A4: No, TF1 did not renew 'Olivia' for a second season after its initial run.

Q5: What is the significance of Nice in the series?

A5: Nice is a central filming location and the city where Olivia Alessandri opens her law practice, making it a key geographical setting for the show.

In conclusion, the filming locations of 'Olivia' in the South of France provided a visually rich canvas for the series' narrative. While critical reception was mixed, the show's production in these picturesque locales contributed to its overall atmosphere and appeal for its dedicated audience.