Original subtitles

This series is fictional, loosely based on reality TV.

People, events, places and dialogues may have been invented,

modified or recreated to express the authors' artistic vision.

-Didn't they just plant these? -What?

-The violets de Mèze. -This?

-Yes. -But they don't last here.

I warned them, but the boss requested it.

The boss?

The boss here.

They're meant for warmer climates, not Neuilly-sur-Seine.

The boss is a botany enthusiast.

Sure, I have nothing against him.

He must have been fooled by a good salesman.

Do you think he's the type to be fooled?

Evidently.

Even if they call it violets de Mèze,

it's still just bougainvillea.

And here, it can't grow.

Look at this, it's all dead.

It's sad.

Stop everything.

He's a dinosaur who started with telecoms,

and he wants to tell us how to make TV?

No, he's right.

We're amateurs.

MARCH 30TH 2001

You've done nothing wrong, chabelita.

Maybe I wasn't good enough.

So what? We'll bounce back.

With your vision and my spirit...

After the Industrial Revolution, the biggest revolution is the Internet.

Digital, more than ever.

Use the Internet or the Minitel with financeonline.com.

Faster than ever, cheaper than ever.

Go to financeonline.com, we'll help you make stock market profit.

Clients, providers,

we don't always know who we're dealing with.

Today, I feel safe when I work,

for only 150 francs a month, I can see...

What's up?

Can you make a list of journalists?

What kind?

Ones who don't check their sources.

You'll have it tomorrow morning.

No, I need it now. Thank you.

APRIL 2ND 2001

Right after your presentation, Charly and Lulu will perform.

Do they have to?

-Yes. We'll finish with a Q&A. -Congrats, Christian.

The market guys and us are so pumped.

Why are these assholes congratulating me?

The room is full for the press conference.

Are they excited by my annual review?

It's because of Big Brother.

Why are you talking about Big Brother?

-It's not me. -Then who?

-It's all over the Internet. -What does it say?

That you've signed with PPP.

Those jerks want to use us.

We'll deny everything.

M6 shares are up 12%.

No, fuck them.

Where is the press conference?

-That way, but it's nearly over. -Okay, thanks.

Thank you, Charly and Lulu, our two buddies from Hit Machine,

which will be back on screens next year.

All right, any questions?

Elsa Beaugreni, Le Monde.

Mr. De Chaunac.

Can you confirm the launch of Big Brother on M6?

TF1 SHARES DROP 3%

Yes, absolutely.

As a matter of fact, you'll see it on our channel...

in three weeks.

APRIL 23RD 2001 3 DAYS BEFORE THE SHOW STARTS

I'm really sorry, I missed my train.

Hi. Don't worry, it's okay.

I wasn't gonna go anywhere, I don't know anyone here.

-Except you, now. -Cool.

I mean, not cool that you don't know anyone, but...

That I was late.

If someone asks, can you tell them I was on time?

Sure.

I'm from Nice, to me, you're early.

Let's go.

I was wondering,

is the host really Flavie Flament's husband?

-Benjamin? Yes. -Okay.

-Why? -That's great.

My mom loves Flavie Flament.

Jean-Édouard is good, what about Loana?

Loana has a lot of inner pain, mainly caused by her father.

Wow, the therapist says it's the parents' fault.

What's going on with her dad?

Apparently, nothing good, but when I mention it, she stops talking.

So is it a yes?

Yes, but we'll have to see with the group.

But do you think that it will work, that they'll have fun?

I can't tell you.

Will there be some chemistry between them? Relationships?

Isabelle, I'm a therapist, not Cathy Guetta.

We'll have a prime time show on Thursdays and a daily show at 5:20 p.m.

Will it be live?

No, it's a summary of the day.

But on cable, you'll be live 24/7.

And on the Internet, too.

Thank you.

-Okay, Loana? -Yes.

We're ready to start.

Thank you.

Don't worry, it's just a photo shoot for the press.

I know.

I'm just not used to being taken care of like this.

Let's go.

Stop, no!

I don't want to!

-I don't want to! -What's going on?

Leila?

I had a nightmare.

She'll never go back to sleep now.

Did she take her medication?

-Mom! -Don't, she's at work.

We're out of the meds.

-What? -I forgot the prescription.

What the hell?

I'll go tomorrow, okay?

Give Yaya a kiss.

Even Yaya wants to sleep.

I have a philosophy exam tomorrow, I'll be wrecked.

I don't want to!

Go on, take my room.

-See you tomorrow. -Go to sleep.

I'll sleep with you.

Your job is to find good stories to tell about the lofters.

You'll be our two story editors working eight-hour shifts.

Concretamente, you'll choose the best clips

by moving from one camera to the other.

For image, sound and technical aspects, you'll have a team.

Okay, is that clear?

Okay. Who do we send the tapes to?

To the editor-in-chief, that's me.

I'll sort it out with the editor to get a 50-minute daily show

after Isabelle has approved it.

-Is that clear? -Great, we're good.

Sorry, what about the sound?

Karim, escúchame, por favor.

I just said, there will be a technician.

It wasn't clear, you speak very fast.

Okay.

Good news, we're at the cutting edge.

We have technicians for the image and the sound.

Raphael?

So?

So what?

I don't know. It's not bad, right?

Should I pat you on the back?

Good job, Raphael.

And good job going 15k over budget.

No...

-There's a bonus. -Yes, the bonus.

If we get a 28% audience share.

Do you know what the M6 average is?

-I know. -13%.

We're definitely on the path to success.

A nobody as a host,

no marketing, and an incompetent project manager.

Philippe?

I'll get 28%.

Sure, like you convinced Chaunac with your dream cast?

APRIL 26TH 2001 LAUNCH OF THE SHOW

Fifteen minutes before going live.

Karim for Isabelle. Loana's mother refuses to be filmed.

Could you help Elena? She's getting nowhere.

To all teams, silence on set.

Who stole my Leatherman?

Unbelievable!

Karim, it's Isabelle. All good with Violette?

Go and meet Loana at her hotel.

-Evening, Violette. -Evening.

-How are you? -Good.

I'm Karim, we spoke on the phone.

-So that's you. -Yes.

-Here, this is for you. -For me?

Yes.

FOR VIOLETTE - FLAVIE

-Who's Flavie? -Flavie Flament.

Wow! That's so nice!

Of course.

-Come with me to the greenroom. -What?

For hair and makeup.

No, I don't want to be on camera.

Loana will need to see that you're here.

It's important for her.

Let's go.

It's this way.

Well done!

Never mind, I found it!

Good evening and welcome to Lost... To Loft...

Fuck. Loft Story.

Loft, Loft, Loft.

Yes, that works.

They're here.

-Ten minutes. -Can you hear?

One, two, one, two.

-Evening, everyone. -Is Marie on the intercom?

Yes, here.

Everything okay? Can you hear me?

Yes, Marie?

I'm here, but I'm struggling with the mics.

When they get out of the car,

it's like Justin and Britney arriving at the MTV Music Awards. Okay?

Okay, copy that.

-Benjamin? -Yes?

You're the grandson of cinematic icons, you're a star,

so please articulate. Thanks.

Who are his grandparents?

It'll fill up.

It's in ten minutes.

This is behind the scenes.

Evening, production team.

Evening.

Can I go to the restroom?

No, stay on your mark.

What's with the mattresses in the garden?

We thought it was a good idea...

For the lofters, they can set them up the way they want.

It'll be a good segment.

-It's nice. -Yes.

The grass hasn't been mowed. Is that for a segment, too?

Five minutes before we go live.

Your suitcase.

Yes, shit.

I saw your mom in the studio. Couldn't your dad come?

No.

Shit. Next week, then.

No, he won't come.

Really? Why?

Forget about my dad.

Did you have a fight?

No, he's dead.

Sorry, I shouldn't have insisted.

It's okay.

Actually, he's not dead.

I haven't spoken to him in two years.

I get it. I haven't spoken to mine in eight years.

I mean, it's not a competition.

If it was, I'd win.

You think so?

Mine was up there.

-Really? -He used to hit my mom.

Mine used to hit me.

Not bad. Mine would do it sober.

He would force me to say that I was a whore.

Mine too.

No, I'm kidding. Sorry.

You win.

Nice one.

Attention, ten seconds.

Complete silence!

Five, four,

three, two,

one, opening credits.

Eleven singles cut off from the world, in a huge loft,

filmed 24/7

by 26 cameras and 50 mics.

In 70 days, only two will remain.

Who will be the perfect couple? You decide.

Good evening and welcome to this great premiere.

I'm very happy to be here with you, live on M6,

to kick things off.

You probably know how the show works. Six guys...

-He's speaking too fast. -Camera two.

He's too fast, we'll lose the over 40s.

Benjamin, breathe. It's really good,

but stop reading your notes, you're a champion.

Be strong.

We'll never get to 28%.

Isabelle, there still aren't many people.

Take everyone who's backstage,

get some sheets and paint brushes, we'll breathe some life into this.

Chicos? Vamonos. Come with me.

Isabelle, it's Karim. I'm with Loana,

-we're approaching the studios. -Okay.

Okay. Let's go!

Okay, get it done. Leave it, it's fine.

That will do, it's fine.

Go to the lofters after the video tapes.

That's a big "fuck you" to Claude Évin.

What?

The Évin law.

Who's the dumbass that put booze there?

Article L3323-2 of the Public Health Code.

It's just a welcome drink, it was planned.

Are you sure this Cinderella is good enough?

It's the only law we need to know in our industry.

Isabelle to Elena, who told you to put fucking booze there?

-You did. -Did I ask you to do that?

You approved the quote for it.

I sign everything you give me,

I trust that you won't mess things up.

It's okay, we'll just avoid filming the bottles, please.

That's the only thing we see.

What about us, can we have a drink?

We'll set it up in the lounge.

Go get Beaupré drunk, I'll stay in the control room.

-The cars are coming. -Okay.

Benjamin, go for the cars.

-They're coming. -They're here.

Let's go and meet them.

WE LOVE YOU

What's going on?

They have their suitcases. We'll have a chance to see...

Why isn't she getting out?

It seems that this candidate...

Marie, be creative, open the door, do something.

Notice that the windows are tinted...

Isabelle, wait.

No pressure,

but we're live.

Wait, give me two minutes. What's going on?

Take your time, I'll film the door.

Karim, this is Isabelle.

Have you seen their clothes?

Karim, this is Isabelle!

Well, it looks great.

-Yes. -We can see how incompetent they are.

Come on, everything's fine.

Go back to the set.

Benjamin, sing a silly song, talk to the therapist, stall.

I'm gonna be the whore again.

Look at me.

Breathe.

Do you remember the test we gave you?

For STDs?

No, the IQ test.

You got 139.

More than all the lofters.

Way more than the production team.

-I don't believe you. -You should. Look.

Here.

You'll show them.

Thank you.

It's gonna be fine.

-Loana. -We're all good, Isabelle.

Hello, Loana, how are you?

She's doing great! She even brought her teddy bear.

Yes, she has her teddy bear!

Thank you.

THE ACTORS, MOVIE - 2.3%

Come on.

UNFORGIVEN, MOVIE - 15.7% THEMA - 2.3%

Oh, shit.

28.1, yes!

No, 26.1%.

I can't believe it.

It's a good start.

No, it's not.

Have you seen the numbers in Italy and Germany?

The novelty wears off.

26.1 is not the start, it's our peak.

Forget about the bonus.

We'll bounce back when the relationships start.

Is there a magic button for that?

They're real people. That's the flaw in your concept.

Can you give us a moment?

Jean-Édouard, right?

-And you are? I forgot. -Loana.

Sorry if I ask again.

This is boring.

Remove the first two lines and show me the rest.

-I don't have the rest. -Find it.

Dad, I'm busy. What is it?

I don't want to bother you, but...

-We're having dinner for Mother's Day. -When?

In three weeks, on the 20th.

Okay. I'll have to check with my job.

Of course. When will your show start?

I don't have a date yet, but I'll let you know.

We can't wait. Love you.

Bye.

Did you find it?

We got an offer to sell PPP.

-Really? -100 million.

70 for me, 30 for you.

100 million?

Was it a drunk guy in a club at 4:00 a.m.?

No, it's very serious.

Why didn't you tell me?

I wanted to see if we were screwed. Now I know.

-We'll never get the bonus. -It'll be fine.

When? In two years, three?

We'll have drowned by then. We have to sell now.

Who's offering 100 million?

A big Spanish group that want to set up in France.

We're not their first choice, but we can convince them.

They're in Paris, they want to see you.

What if I say no?

I lose 70 million. They want your share, too.

-This is a gem. -My dad had a few gems, too,

even a Palme d'Or, and he died bankrupt.

I'm 59, I don't want to end up like him.

You're 59?

Fuck you.

-Are you free tomorrow night? -Yes.

-Did I miss something? -They're talking about nuclear physics.

They're talking about music.

They ignore Loana when she wants to speak.

We're all dying to know what her favorite song is.

It's Si loin de toi.

Pit Baccardi? How sophisticated.

How do you know that?

It's in her file.

Why don't we have any footage from 3:00 and 6:00 last night?

Nothing happened.

No, they were talking and it suddenly stops.

Yeah...

-What? -I must have dozed off.

I don't sleep much because of Leila.

Then stay at home. You're not an intern here.

It's a bit of a cliché, playing the proto-fascist tyrant.

If you can't handle it, putting others down won't help you.

-Finally! -How are you?

I feel like the Western world is doomed

and that I work with assholes.

-You? -Kind of the same.

Will I see you tonight?

Shit, I have plans.

Maybe after.

After, I'll still...

Have plans.

Yes, that's it.

Okay.

Is that a problem?

No, we're not...

Yeah.

Okay, then...

Yeah, have a good night.

Thanks, you too.

I didn't have to remove the sea From the Côte d'Azur

I'd rather sit by the water And admire it, for sure

I envy the person that has What they hold most dear

Without wanting to take it I know what it's worth

I wanted to understand I was told, "That's life"

I want you, I want the feelings Sometimes I feel betrayed

So far away from you

I'm so lonely I miss you

You say I'm not present enough,

-that I should leave... -I never said that.

Loana, be a part of our conversations, tell us about yourself.

If it's a problem, you don't have to go deep.

I haven't done a tenth of what you've all done.

I can't talk about college.

I've never been, I left high school to start working.

I work in a club.

I haven't traveled, I live in a small apartment with my mother.

-What do I have to brag about? -It's not bragging!

During the day, I'm at home, at night, I work in a bar wearing a thong.

You must have experienced things.

-Like what? -Are you looking for this?

-No real relationship with a guy... -M6 sent it this morning.

On all levels, I'm at the bottom.

Fuck, 21%.

You did a good job, it's not your fault.

That's what people say to students who are dumb but endearing.

"Rochechouart, 21%, don't give up."

Isabelle, try to be nice.

Sorry.

Louder.

I'm sorry.

I shouldn't say things like that.

I screw up everything, I'm sorry.

We've got 11 good-looking kids who are bursting with hormones.

We'll get our couple. You're doing everything right.

You're still playing the kind teacher.

"Keep up the good work..."

So what? You graduated, right?

Yes, by cheating.

I'll be back.

What?

I have a message to read to you, my fellow roommates.

"Dear residents, the landlord has good news.

"In the cellar, you will find everything you need for a disco party."

Wait, I'm not done.

"You have ten minutes to get dressed."

I'm not done! Let me finish!

"In ten minutes, please gather in the living room

"dressed in the costumes provided.

"If you're ready in ten minutes, the music will start

"and there will be unlimited drinks.

"The landlord wishes you a very pleasant evening."

So if I give them alcohol, it's the end of the world,

but you give them a live open bar night.

You look like shit.

I'm leaving at 10:01 p.m.

Do you have Ritalin?

Can I have some? I'll be editing until 2:00 a.m.

It's my sister's, she's hyperactive.

It's an amphetamine.

Really?

Karim, come see me in my office.

Come in.

Sorry about yesterday.

Here.

A farewell present?

No, just a small material item to buy your affection.

Fuck.

Do you like it?

Totally.

I can hound you outside of work now, too.

There must be an alarm clock as well.

-In case I fall asleep. -I got that.

Thank you.

Can I ask you a favor?

Fuck. Cédric isn't coming,

I have to cover for him tonight.

Your sister has a refillable prescription, right?

If we take a few pills, it won't change anything.

What are the effects?

You're super focused for a long time.

If your little sister can take it, it won't kill you.

-Hello? -It's Raph.

-Here. -White roses. Thank you.

You remembered?

Smells good.

Chicken and candied lemon. I'll give you the recipe.

Hey!

What's up? You look nice.

What's with the tie?

You're my business partner, not my best man.

-Does it look bad? -Come on.

You look like a mechanic.

HOW ARE YOU FEELING? HOW ARE YOU DOING?

Evening, Loana. How are you feeling?

Karim?

Is that Karim?

Shit, you can't answer that. Right.

But it is you.

It is, right?

Hello.

How are you doing?

I feel better tonight.

I felt more comfortable with the music and the party.

I get on very well with David.

Physically, I'm attracted to Jean-Édouard.

Yeah, I like Jean-Édouard.

That's it.

She's not gonna hook up, poor girl.

Why?

Look.

They're all very nice, for sure.

There's one who's not my type, Loana.

I think she's a tease.

I wouldn't choose her.

Is something wrong?

I don't know.

Do what you want.

The alcohol will kick in soon, you have an hour or two.

In France, they say that reality TV is like a bubble

ready to burst.

That's totally true.

It's why we invested so little.

We wanted to bring a bit of modernity to the industry,

but our driving forces are recurring shows, flagship shows,

Le Bigdil, Exclusif...

Anything but TF1?

What's the expression... "Don't put all your eggs in one basket."

You see it as dependence.

We see it as life insurance.

These shows are the result of 35 years of experience

and a special relationship with Michel Drezen.

Luckily for me, Michel can't cook.

What about you, Raphael? Can you cook?

No, I can do other things,

but I can't cook.

Like what?

Like what?

I don't know what to say.

Miss de Rochechouart!

Hi. Well...

Am I interrupting you?

No.

Okay. Because I'm free, and...

Well, I was thinking that for once, we could...

Go for a drink.

A drink? Wow!

Let me check my schedule...

That's what I thought.

I'm free,

and I really want to see you.

It's a bit complicated.

I get it, I'm the same.

Too bad.

I'm leaving now.

Okay, me too.

I can't wait.

Let me tell you what you need to know about Raphael Dumas.

He's a genius.

Yes, a little genius

who caught me outside a studio ten years ago,

he had just graduated high school.

I hired him as a warm-up act.

I realized that he knew all about the viewing numbers

of all the shows in Europe.

So what did I do? I hired him as a Minitel intern.

Ten years later, he's bought 30% of the company and I'm thriving.

No, we got lucky.

Ten years later... So how old are you?

Thank you for the transition. Nora!

No!

Yeah!

Thank you.

Do I need to make a wish?

Yeah!

Make it a good one.

You need to get used to the camera.

It's not forgiving. You look good, but in five years, you'll be screwed.

Five years?

Eight, max.

Okay.

So do we push all my rivals down the stairs?

Leave it to me, you'll be a star.

Would you do that for me, Miss Producer?

I can't be in a relationship with an unknown journalist.

Are we in a relationship?

Did the surgery hurt?

What hurt the most was the 35,000 francs.

-It looks good. -Do you think?

Do you want to see?

-I don't mind showing you. -Yeah.

Okay.

Now they're listening.

-Laure is too much of a princess. -No, Aziz is pushing it.

It wasn't his business.

I'll vote for him.

-They're your viewers, I think. -Wait, be quiet.

-That's your thing. -Not at all.

Not at all, I like rich guys!

Stop talking about that.

Thibaud isn't even allowed to watch it!

Tough, poor kid.

Should we call social services?

Luckily, we don't inflict that on our kids.

Because we have kids?

-It's just a drink. -Of course we have kids.

Two kids, Gaëtan and Jeanne.

Too bad, my mother picked the names.

-And they love Loft Story. -Really?

No one can beat the ratings with 15 to 24-year-olds.

That's the most romantic thing I've ever heard.

Sorry, excuse me.

Is everything okay?

It's Elena.

Sorry, I have to go.

Do you have two helmets?

-They look real. -Yeah.

Will you be able to breastfeed?

-Yes, Isabelle? -I'll be there in three minutes.

Are they still in the pool?

They all left. There's just Steevy hanging around.

-Send him to the confessional. -Vale.

Steevy, go to the confessional.

Did you tell Raphael?

-No. -Put him on the line.

Do you know their name in French? Trou normand!

-Hello? -Raphael?

-Isabelle's on the line. -Okay.

Put TPS on, quickly!

-Excuse me. -Cheers.

You made ten meals back there.

He doesn't believe me!

Karim for Elena.

-What? -Come handle Steevy in the confessional.

I'm eating.

Just go, keep him there as long as you can.

-Can you see them? -In the pool, yes.

No, the 28%.

What's going on?

Get Philippe.

I'll call you back.

Thanks. I'll call you back, okay?

-What is it? They'll get offended. -Look.

Jean-Édouard and Loana are in the pool.

If they kiss, we've won.

I'll call Beaupré.

Why?

Hello?

-Yes. -Stanislas, good evening.

Can you turn on TPS, please?

Sure.

I'll let Christian know.

You have to come back.

Yes, sorry, we'll be right there.

Wait. What do we tell them?

What do you mean?

-This is a mistake. -Sorry?

We're making a mistake.

What are you saying?

This is going to be huge hit.

No, we're talking millions.

You're getting excited about two blondes making out.

They're going to save our lives.

You don't want to sell anymore?

-Sorry. -You can't do this to me.

Sorry, it's for the company.

-Philippe! -I'm coming!

This is the biggest mistake of your life.

You act like you're a shy kid from the countryside.

Nobody suspects that you only think about yourself.

What are they doing?

I can't believe it.

-Are they... -They are.

We're gonna have to change the pool water.

Fuck.

This is live.

-Is that a joke? -On TPS.

Okay, that's enough.

Come on, they have to cut.

Cut, now.

Fucking hell, cut, Isabelle.

How much was it, ten seconds?

Twenty, 25, easy.

On a Saturday night, at this time, on cable,

nobody will be watching, right?