01/09/2008

The feature debut by Swiss filmmaker Frédéric Mermoud, a thriller entitled Complices (“Accomplices”), begins lensing in Lyon today. Heading the cast are French stars Emmanuelle Devos (A Christmas Tale [+see also:
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film profile]). Also featuring in the line-up of the French/Swiss co-production are Dominique Reymond, Nina Meurisse and Cyril Descours. Switerland’s Thomas Hardmeier is DoP.

Co-written by the director – who was nominated for a César earlier this year with his short Rachel – and Pascal Arnold, the story begins with Vincent and Rebecca, two young, happy-go-lucky lovers who meet in an Internet café. Two months later, Vincent’s dead and beaten body is found in the River Rhône. Shortly after his cruel death, Rebecca disappears while inspectors Cagan (Melki) and Mangin (Devos) are put in charge of the investigation.

Produced by Tonie Marshall and Olivier Bomsel for Paris-based company Tabo-Tabo Films (producer of three shorts by Frédéric Mermoud), Complices has received co-production funding of 25.3% from Swiss outfit Saga Production (Robert Boner).

The title’s €3.5m budget is funded by co-productions with Rhône-Alpes Cinéma and France 3 Cinéma, along with pre-sales from Canal + and support funds of €310,000 from the Swiss Federal Office for Culture (OFC).

Shooting is scheduled to last seven weeks, four of which in Lyon and the remaining three in the Paris region. Domestic release will be handled by Pyramide in the second half of 2009.

(Translated from French)