Gaumont to adapt Quebecor Content scripted format ‘About Anthony’

Cathleen Rouleau

French production and distribution giant Gaumont has acquired the rights to upcoming comedy-drama format About Anthony. 

Written by Cathleen Rouleau, scripted by Benoît Pelletier and currently being developed by ComediHa! in collaboration with Quebecor Content, the original Quebec version of About Anthony will be directed by Podz (Lupin, Vikings).

Inspired by Rouleau’s own life, About Anthony tells the story of Julie, who starts a new relationship and finds herself drawn into an unconventional family. She soon takes on the role of stepmom to her boyfriend’s two kids, including Anthony—a loveable nine-year-old who happens to be physically disabled, intellectually challenged, autistic, non-verbal and a high-functioning epileptic.

“Living with someone with a disability means having to deal with a thousand challenges and setbacks while constantly hoping for the best. But it also means laughing till it hurts at the smallest victory. It means discovering what unconditional love truly is. And it means collecting countless memories and stories every day. Anthony has changed my life—and I want for him to change the lives of everyone in the world,” explains Rouleau.

“About Anthony is so successful in treating disability as more than an issue but a part of life itself. This series is a must-watch. It’s compassionate, funny and a welcome break from the doom and gloom of the past couple of years. We can’t wait to share it with you!” added Isabelle Degeorges, president of Gaumont Television France.