Shooting underway on De l'Usage du Sex Toy en Temps de Crise

by Fabien Lemercier

23/08/2011 - "The worst thing about death isn’t disappearing forever, but reappearing in the world of the living, among one’s nearest and dearest". This is the main thread of Eric Pittard’s debut feature: De l'Usage du Sex Toy en Temps de Crise (“On the Use of Sex Toys in Times of Crisis”), which started shooting on August 16. The film (which, despite its title, is not a sex-themed movie) stars the director, Marie Raynal (Coup d’Éclat), Jackie Berroyer (Je Suis Un No Man’s Land [trailer]) and Philippe Nahon.

Scripted by Pittard, the film tells the story of a man who is physically weak after chemotherapy and feels almost like a zombie with a memory in tatters. Step by step, he rediscovers the vital sensations of romantic desire and social involvement.

Produced by Pascal Verroust for ADR Productions, De l'Usage du Sex Toy en Temps de Crise is co-produced by Paris-Brest Productions (Olivier Bourbeillon). It has received a €380,000 advance on receipts from the National Film and Moving Image Centre (CNC), as well as backing from the Brittany region and Sofica Cinémage.

Shooting will take place until September 26 in Hoedic, Rennes, St Nazaire, Paris and Bergerac. The film will be released in French theatres by Sophie Dulac Distribution, while sales will be handled by Doc & Film International.

(Translated from French)